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Zoresco Senior Series Press Releases

Zoresco Senior Series: Wheeler and Wheeling claim first place
By: Donna Rottman

PITTSBURGH, PA  (September 2002) - Terry Wheeler of Stoneboro and Bill Wheeling of Franklin share the honors of being the 2002 Champions of the Zoresco Senior Series.   This is not the first time for the Senior Series to have two victors receive the honors.  In 1987 when the series began, Buddy O'Connor and George Playforth were co-champions. 

Wheeler won the first race at Tri-City and the last race at Lernerville plus two more for a total of four wins.  Wheeling, who celebrated his 68th birthday in July, had two feature wins.  Wheeling fell behind in points at the beginning of the season after the race at Tri-City.  He came back with a win at Mercer and managed to be a few points ahead of Wheeler for the entire season.  

The final points, Wheeler and Wheeling both have 258 points.  Don Gamble is in second place two points ahead of Tom Knight, Sr. with 243.  Sid Haas and Bud Holben are fourth and fifth.  Ed Bashaar is in sixth place. Two new drivers to the series this year, Ron Spangler and Joe Betz are tied for seventh place.  Bob McWilliams, Tim Lowry and Reg Vasko complete the top ten.

Lias Tire and Isiminger Pennzoil joined the Senior Series as contingency sponsors for this year.  After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of an American Racer tire. The Isiminger Pennzoil Hard Charger case of oil was awarded to the driver who advances the most positions.

Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule.  There were 40 drivers who participated this year with the average age of 54.

The goal is to have fun and 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.

 
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Zoresco Senior Series: Wheeler wins the last four races
By: Don Rottman

PITTSBURGH, PA  (September 2002) - Terry Wheeler of Stoneboro won two Zoresco Equipment Senior Series features on the same night!  The first was a rained out feature and the second was the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race on September 7th.  Wheeler checkered two races at Tri-City and two at Lernerville Speedway giving him a total of four feature wins this year. 

In the race that began on August 16th, Wheeler immediately took the helm for the first six laps with Don Gamble passing him on lap seven. Then the rains came so fast it stranded the cars out on the track. One more circuit would make it a complete race and Gamble's first win of the season.  However seven laps was not a complete race. 

When the race resumed three weeks later, Wheeler reclaimed the front spot and scored the victory over Don Gamble. Ron Spangler was third and was trailed by Tom Knight Sr., Bill Wheeling, Bud Holben, Joe Betz, Tim Lowrey, Larry Bruner, and Don Luffy. Three Rivers Trucking and Schneider Racing added prize money to sweeten the winnings.  Wheeler gained a $100 bonus for finishing first and Joe Betz $100 as the last car on the track.

Wheeler made it two-in-a-row on the same night, when he captured the 20-lap 'Glade Neil Memorial Race'.  From the second row, Wheeler immediately progressed to the front of the field with Ed Bashaar in second. On lap three Wheeler went high on the back straight and Bashaar capitalized on his mistake. Bashaar remained in front until lap 15. Wheeler used the lapped traffic to make the necessary move to regain control and record victory number four over Bashaar. Three through ten went to Jerry Huff, Dave Pegher, Don Gamble, Tom Knight Sr., Bill Wheeling, Bud Holben, Joe Betz and Todd Bachman.  Pegher and John Monteparte won the heat races.

Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.


 
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PCTC Zoresco Series: Lernerville Race to be continued
By: Don Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA  (August 2002) - The PCTC Zoresco Senior Series race scheduled at Lernerville for August 9 rescheduled to August 16 to be continued on September 7.  Mother Nature chose to send torrential rains to the speedway after seven laps were completed.  By the time the cars entered turns one and two, the slick track turned ugly.  This race will be continued from the eighth lap on September 7, when the Zoresco Senior Series return to Lernerville for the "Glade Neil Memorial Race".

Don Gamble jumped into the lead in lap six after several attempts to get by Terry Wheeler.  One more circuit would make it a complete race and Gamble's first win of the season.  However seven laps is not a complete race. Stay tuned for the conclusion.  Sid Haas and Tim Lowry won the heats. 

The points race at this time shows Bill Wheeling at the top with 207 points, Gamble moves into second place with 200, 1 point ahead of Tom Knight Sr. Terry Wheeler has 174 and Sid Haas has 159 points. Ed Bashaar rounds out the top five with 114 points.

Three Rivers Trucking and Schneider Racing have added $200 to the feature payoff.  We will have to wait for the conclusion September 7 to know who will be the recipients.  Lias Tire and Isiminger Pennzoil are contingency sponsors for this year. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of an American Racer tire. The Isiminger Pennzoil Hard Charger case of oil is awarded to the driver who advances the most positions.

Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.
 
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Zoresco Sr. Series: August 9th race rescheduled to August 16th
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (August 2002) - The PCTC Zoresco Senior Series race scheduled at Lernerville for August 9 has been rescheduled to August 16. Heavy rains on August 3 forced Lernerville management to postpone the Late Model "Summer Sizzler" to August 9. With the additional activities the night of a special event, the Zoresco Senior Series elected to move their race to August 16.
 
In the last contest, Tom Knight Sr. took the honors in the Zoresco Senior Series at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway making him the fifth different winner in six races. Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.
 
Lias Tire and Isiminger Pennzoil are contingency sponsors for this year. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of an American Racer tire. The Isiminger Pennzoil Hard Charger case of oil is awarded to the driver who advances the most positions.
 
The point race after six events remains very close with Bill Wheeling at the top with a very narrow lead of 1 point ahead of Tom Knight Sr. Don Gamble holds onto third place with 161. Terry Wheeler has 143 and Sid Haas has 130 points. Ed Bashaar rounds out the top five with 98 points.
 
Schedule: The next race is Friday, August 16th at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Knight Sr. Winner of the Sixth Race
By: Donna Rottman

PITTSBURGH, PA  (July 2002) - Tom Knight Sr. took the honors in the Zoresco Senior Series at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Saturday night, making him the fifth different winner in six races.  This was Knight's fourth Senior Series victory.  After several cautions, Knight Sr. was able to maintain the lead throughout the entire race. Crossing over the line in second place was Bill Wheeling, Frank Schneider Sr., Bud Holben and Sid Haas was fifth.  Six through ten was Mark Calahan, Bob McWiliams, Terry Wheeler, Ron Spangler, Reggie Vasko.

Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.

Mark Calahan and Frank Schneider Sr. were added to the roster of the Zoresco Senior Series bringing the number of participants to twenty-eight for this season.  In addition to Lias Tire, Danny Isiminger is the latest contingency sponsor to join the Senior Series awarding a case of oil each week to the hard charger. 

Don Gamble and Tom Knight Sr. were the heat winners. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of an American Racer tire.  Mark Cahalan, new to the Zoresco Series, won the Lias tire. The Isiminger Pennzoil Hard Charger was awarded to Bill Wheeling who started 12th who advanced ten spots.  The winner of the last race always starts in the twelfth position. 

The point race after six events, Bill Wheeling retains the narrow lead by only 1 point ahead of Tom Knight Sr.  Don Gamble holds onto third place with 161. Terry Wheeler has 143 and Sid Haas has 130 points. Ed Bashaar rounds out the top five with 98 points.

Schedule: The next race is Friday, August 9th at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7. 


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Zoresco Sr. Series: Wheeling wedges Knight Sr.
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (June 2002) - The Zoresco Senior Series treated the fans to a super display of competition at Latrobe Speedway when Bill Wheeling dashed across the finish line to claim his second win of 2002. 67-year-old Wheeling celebrated in victory lane with his wife, Shirley, of 45 years just like they have many times before. This was Wheeling's eighth feature win since he joined the PCTC Senior Series in 1997.
     It was a "Zoresco Night". Several Senior drivers and Lance Alexander, the series sponsor, were interviewed in front of the large crowd. Lance Alexander and his family enjoyed the night of racing and presented the trophy.
     Tom Knight Sr. led most of the race Sunday, while Wheeling came from the sixth starting spot to challenge Knight Sr. for the last half of the main event to finish in second place. There was plenty of action that entertained the fans with Ed Bashaar, Don Gamble and Sid Haas dicing for positions the entire race. Karl Landis, Ron Spangler and Jim Struble were added to the roster of the Zoresco Senior Series bringing the number of participants to twenty-six for this season. Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'.
     Racing for the checkers it was Wheeling first and Knight Sr. second. Then came Gamble, Haas and Struble. In the sixth position was Bud Holben, seventh Joe Betz, Landis, Bashaar, Bob McWilliams, Spangler and Terry Wheeler. Sid Haas won his third American Racer tire from the Lias Tire Racing Division. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of the tire.
     After five events the point race is very close with Bill Wheeling at the top with 153 points. Tom Knight Sr. and Don Gamble are tied with 142. Terry Wheeler has 123 and Sid has 105 points. Ed Bashaar rounds out the top five with 98 points.
     Schedule: The next race is Saturday, July 20 for our second appearance at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. August 9th is Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Zoresco Sr. Series: Fourth race, fourth winner
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (June 2002) - After four races the Zoresco Senior Series had their fourth different winner at Lernerville Speedway. Dan Bauman made a last lap pass to win the 15-lap. Terry Wheeler paced the field for three circuits until he and Bud Holben crashed in turn three. On the restart Don Gamble was in charge and looked like he had the money banked until the last lap. Rounding turn four, Bauman, running low and Gamble on the high side collided and Bauman was the winner.
     Coming from ninth, Bill Wheeling placed third. Ed Bashaar was fourth and followed by Tom Knight Sr. Dave Heininger crashed with Duane Mohney at the flag stand and placed sixth. Sid Haas garnered seventh and Mohney was credited with eighth. Bob McWilliams placed ninth and Terry Wheeler rounded out the top ten. Tim Lowry and Gamble checkered the heat events.
    Joe Betz won the American Racer tire from the Lias Tire Racing Division. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of the tire.
     After four events the point race is very close with Bill Wheeling with 114 ahead of Tom Knight Sr. by only two points. Don Gamble has 111, one point behind in third place. Terry Wheeler has 105 points and Ed Bashaar rounds out the top five with 80 points.
     Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
    Schedule: The next race is Sunday, June 23 at Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 9th is the rescheduled night at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Reggie Vasko photoReggie Vasko photo
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Zoresco Senior Series: Third race, third winner
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (June 2002) - After three races the Zoresco Senior Series had their third different winner at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Reggie Vasko from Glassport garnered the checker in the hotly contested feature and the best race of the entire evening. Vasko celebrated in victory lane with his family who was visiting from Florida.
     Ed Bashaar who came from the fifth starting spot to lead the race for laps five through ten chased early leader Sid Haas. A blanket could cover the next six cars of Vasko, Don Gamble, Tom Knight Sr., Terry Wheeler, and Bill Wheeling. Gamble went high and the three cars passed him. Vasko gained the lead for the last five laps. Bashaar crossed the line second followed by Knight Sr., Wheeler, and Bill Wheeling completing the top five. Then came Gamble, Haas, Joe Betz, Bob Milspaw, Bob McWilliams and Bob Betz Jr. Gamble picked up the win in the heat race.
    Sid Haas won the American Racer tire from the Lias Tire Racing Division for the second time. After the Zoresco Senior Series main event, the feature winner rolls the dice to determine who will be the recipient of the tire.
     After three events the point race is very close with Bill Wheeling and Tom Knight Sr. tied at 87 points. Terry Wheeler, last years champion is one point back at 86, Gamble has 78 and Sid Haas rounds out the top five at 60 points.
     Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
    Schedule: The next race is Tuesday, June 11 at Lernerville when we share the program with the School Bus Races. Sunday, June 23 we go to Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 9th is the rescheduled night at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Wheeling winner of second Zoresco Senior Series race
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (May 2002) - After five attempts the Zoresco Senior Series put their second race into the record books with Bill Wheeling from Franklin at the top. This was the make-up race from April 27 at Mercer Raceway Park. Threatening weather shortened the victory celebrations and after-race interviews. Sixty-seven year old Wheeling posed with Shirley his wife of 45 years, to mark his first victory of 2002. Shirley goes with Bill to every race and has missed only two of his races!
    Wheeling started fifth and took over the lead in the third lap. The caution flag came out in lap number five when Don Gamble, Tom Knight Sr. and last race winner, Terry Wheeler, tangled. Wheeler made two trips to the pits while Knight Sr. and Gamble needed help to get their cars apart. All three cars were able to continue the 15-lap race.
    Pat Wilcox from Cochranton moved up to the second spot from starting sixth. Mechanical problems took him out of the race in lap ten. Wheeling took the checker, followed by Knight Sr., Tim Lowry, Gamble and Ed Bashaar for the top five. Sid Haas, Terry Wheeler, Bud Holben, Bob McWilliams, Pat Wilcox and Duane Mohney completed the rest of the field.
    Sid Haas won the American Racer tire from the Lias Tire Racing Division. After each feature, the winner rolls the dice to determine the winner of the tire.
    Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
 
Schedule: The next race is June 1 at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway (rainout from May 11). Tuesday, June 11 we share the program with the School Bus Races at Lernerville. Sunday, June 23 we go to Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 9th is the rescheduled night at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Zoresco Senior Series: Wheeler wins opener
By: Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (May 2002) - After three consecutive rainouts, Tri-City Speedway finally opened for the 2002 season under beautiful skies. The Zoresco Senior Series were on hand to get their first race into the record books after the third attempt. Defending champion, Terry Wheeler led from green to checkered collecting his second career series victory at Tri-City in the 15-lap Zoresco Senior Series event.
    "This is our first race this year," said the defending series champion. "The Senior Series is fun to race for a guy like me." Wheeler expressed to the near sell-out crowd at the Franklin oval.
     On the final lap, Dick Lowry passed Don Gamble for second off turn four. Lowry, a former DIRT Modified racer at Tri-City, was piloting the Stock Car normally driven by Bob Sloss. Gamble finished third over Tom Knight Sr. and Gary Proper. Bill Wheeling finished sixth, followed by Tim Lowry, Sid Haas and Jeff Heeter. Pat Wilcox, Bud Holben, Larry Bruner and Darrell Calvert ran the heats but did not start the feature. Wheeler and Knight won the heat races.
    Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
    Schedule: The next race is May 11 at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. May 25 the rained out race make-up at Mercer Raceway Park. Tuesday, June 11 we share the program with the School Bus Races at Lernerville. Sunday, June 23 we go to Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 9th is the rescheduled night at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Zoresco Senior Series Lernerville Date Rescheduled
By:Donna Rottman
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 2002) - In anticipation of a very large car count Friday the management of Lernerville Speedway decided to reschedule the Zoresco Equipment PCTC Senior Series race to August 9th. Lernerville was the first track to open since inclement weather delayed all of the scheduled opening nights. Pit space was at a premium with 124 cars making it necessary to move the Zoresco Senior Senes to August 9th.
    Tom Knight Sr. who took off last season was more than ready to show off his brand new #76 Monte Carlo for the senior action. Last year he maintained the race cars for his two sons, Tom Knight Jr. and Todd, who race at Motordrome Speedway. Knight Sr. came so close to winning the championship in 2000. He said "This year I'm going for the championship".
    The 2002 racing season marks the sixteenth year of the P.C.T.C. Senior Series. This year is the fourth year of association with Zoresco Equipment Company. Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete in the ten-race Zoresco Senior Series schedule. The goal is to have fun and our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
    April 27 is the first race at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night. May 5 is the first of two visits to the Tri-City Speedway near Franklin. May 11 is Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Tuesday, June 11 we share the program with the School Bus Races at Lernerville. Sunday, June 23 we go to Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 9th is the rescheduled night at Lernerville. Tri-City is August 18 and we wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race Saturday, September 7.
 
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Zoresco Senior Series Update
Contact Donna Rottman 412-462-5766
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (February 2002) - The 2002 racing season marks the sixteenth year of the P.C.T.C. Senior Series. This year begins the fourth year of association with Zoresco Equipment Company. Drivers must be retired from regular competition and be 40 years of age to compete with the Zoresco Senior Series. There is a ten-race schedule that travels to six different racetracks in western Pennsylvania. The goal is to have fun and treat the fans to some good racing. Our motto is to … 'Relive the Good Ol' Days'!
    April 12 is the first of three race dates to be held at Lernerville Speedway. April 27 is Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night. May 5 is the first of two visits to the Tri-City Speedway near Franklin. May 11 Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Tuesday, June 11 we share the program at Lernerville with the School Bus Races. Sunday, June 23 we go to Latrobe Speedway. July 20 is our second appearance at PPMS. August 30 is the second visit to Tri-City. We wind up the season at Lernerville Speedway September 7 for the Glade Neil Memorial Championship Race.
    Don Dahle, the Competition Director for the Zoresco Equipment Senior Series, coordinates the races and trophy presentations. Dahle was a teammate of the late Dick Linder. Dahle raced in the Pittsburgh Racing Association with such drivers as Herb Scott, Buddy O'Connor, Ed Fiola and Glade Neil. In 1990 Dahle was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame.
    Dahle is glad that he raced in the '50's and '60s. Racing was fun back then, nevertheless, he is happy to be part of that feeling again with the Zoresco Senior Series. Some of the things that haven't changed are the competition, good racing, and the thrill of victory.
 
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Zoresco Senior Series top ten honored
Contact Donna Rottman 412-462-5766
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (February '02) - The Zoresco Senior Series top ten drivers were recognized at the 25th Annual Awards Banquet of the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club held late January.
     Lance Alexander, Vice President of Zoresco Equipment Company, presented jackets to the 2000 Champion Bill Wheeling and the 2001 Champion Terry Wheeler. He likewise made the trophy presentations to the Senior Series Drivers as the Master of Ceremonies Don Gamble called them to the podium.
    The 2001 champion, Terry Wheeler had four-feature wins, four seconds and one-third place finish. In second place, Don Gamble had one feature win three-second place and eight top five finishes. Sid Haas in attendance for every race claimed third place. Bill Wheeling, who missed a couple races recovering from an operation, was in fourth place. Bud Holben secured fifth place. Pat Wilcox, Jim Edwards, Bob McWilliams, Ed Bashaar and Gene Pennington completed the top ten.
    Ruth Neil and her family presented the Glade Neil Memorial Sportsmanship Awards to Jim Steigerwald and Donna Rottman. The Neil family presented each Zoresco Senior Series driver with a check in honor of Glade Neil who was very active in the Senior Series. The senior drivers along with their trophy and check received various photos taken during the season by photographer Al Hall.
    The Pittsburgh Circle Track Club was organized to replace the Pittsburgh Racing Association (PRA) after Heidelberg Raceway closed. Race Director, Don Dahle and many of the Zoresco Senior Drivers who participate in the series 'remember the good ol' days' when they competed at the Heidelburg Raceway.
 
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