54th ANNUAL GRANDVIEW FREEDOM 76 MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP & FREEDOM 38 SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP THIS WEEKEND
FREEDOM 76 RACE WINNERS LIST IS FILLED WITH THE TOP NAMES IN MODIFIED RACING HISTORY
FANS FOR FIVE FRIDAY $5 GRANDSTAND ADMISSION KICK-STARTS WEEKEND ACTION
BECHTELSVILLE, PA. – The 62nd anniversary season of auto racing action at Grandview Speedway moves into the 54th annual Freedom 76 race weekend, the biggest, most prestigious, and most lucrative racing of the year for competitors.
The Freedom 76 weekend begins this Friday, September 20 with the 11th annual Freedom 38 Sportsman Championship race, along with qualifying events, plus practice time for Modified drivers wishing to participate in the Freedom 76.
Friday’s program will be known as Fans for Five Friday as the grandstand admission is just $5, while children ages 9 and under will be free of charge. Pit admission on Friday is $40, and no license is required.
On Friday, pit gates open at 3 pm, with grandstand gates opening at 5:30 pm, drivers meeting at 5:30 pm, with the pill draw following the drivers meeting. Warmups are at 6:15 pm, and racing at 7:30 pm. There is no rain date for the Friday event.
Prior to the racing action on Friday will be the weekly Low Down and Dirty Meet and Greet. This week’s drivers include Sportsman drivers Adrianna Delliponti, Gavyn Krupp and Jax Yohn. The Meet and Greet is held in the main gate area from 4-5 pm. and is a great time for fans to meet the drivers up close, collect some autographs, take photos, and talk racing one on one. This will be the final Low Down and Dirty Meet and Greet of the season, and Thank You to everyone who has been a part of it all season long!
On Saturday, September 21, the 54th annual Freedom 76 will be run for the 358 Modifieds. The program will include qualifying heats, consolation races, cash dash, along with the Minuteman 20, leading to the 76-lap championship feature.
Pit gates open at 9 am for car inspections, fans will be able to enter the Grandstand areas between 9 am, and 12 Noon to reserve seats with blankets. Grandstand ticket windows open at 3 pm, pill draw for position is at 4:30 pm, with the drivers meeting at 5 pm, warm-ups are at 6 pm, with racing starting at 7 pm.
Adult Grandstand tickets on Saturday will be $40, while students ages 10-15 with ID are $20, with children ages 9 and under admitted for free. Pit admission will be $45, and no license is required. There will be no advanced tickets sold for this event, and the rain date is Saturday, September 28.
SDS Photography will be having an autograph session with track champions Jeff Strunk and Logan Watt on Saturday from 3-4 pm next to the photo stand. Fans will be able to get free autograph collectors cards signed by the drivers in the pre-race session.
For the Freedom 38 & 76, the tire rules for the event are as follows, ANY American Racer tire and compound, but it must be the Grandview Speedway tread pattern. Further rules are available on the speedway website or any questions please call Cliff Quinn at 484-357-2587 or Ed Scott at 610-298-2408. Entry forms for the Modified competitors are available on the speedway website at www.grandviewspeedway.com under the Freedom 76 tab.
All race teams are reminded that, as has been the case all season, there is no fuel truck on site so plan accordingly. American Racer tires will be available at the racetrack this weekend.
For the race drivers and teams, the Freedom 76 has become a must attend race, as the prize money for winning the prestigious race can make the year for the winning driver along with the bragging rights to say they won the Freedom 76. To put what winning the Freedom 76 means into perspective, it means so much to the driver who wins it each year, as it is like winning the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, World Series, Super Bowl, or the Stanley Cup. It takes so much work, preparation, strategy, planning, and all the fortunes of a good race night to win the Freedom 76, especially since you only get ONE chance each season to grab the grand prize.
Promoter Bruce Rogers started three big money extra distance races for his drivers for the 1971 season, to give his loyal racers some extra cash as a reward for their support. One of these special events was the very first Freedom 76. Run as a 50-lap race the season before, Rogers wanted to give his fans and racers something more, and with the soon to be celebrated United States Bicentennial coming in 1976, the idea was created to have a race based on that theme, and so the birth of the Freedom 76.
This year’s 54thannual race will be paying the race winner $31,062, with the number 62 signifying the anniversary year of the track’s operation. The first race in 1971 paid winner Ed Mumford a large at the time $1000 to win, with the first five figure winner’s share coming in 1987 with Davey Wenger taking home a pay envelope for $10,000. The largest winner’s purse came in 2012, when Bruce and Theresa Rogers celebrated Grandview Speedway’s 50th anniversary season by paying the Freedom 76 winner Jeff Strunk $50,000!
The list of drivers that have picked up a win in the Freedom 76 is long and varied, with the names on the list a who’s who in northeast Modified racing. All time there have been 27 different drivers in the 53 events to date that have reached the hallowed ground of Freedom 76 Victory Lane. Of the 27 different drivers, only eight of those drivers have scored more than one victory in the classic event.
Jeff Strunk has become the man to beat in Freedom 76 competition, as he has won the prestigious event more than any other driver scoring the win eight times, including winning the race five times in the last twelve years. Strunk’s wins have been in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2012 (Grandview’s 50th season of operation), 2013, 2016, 2017, and most recently in the race’s 50th anniversary running in 2020.
Second most in Freedom 76 wins with six, is a tie between two drivers, Craig Von Dohren and Billy Pauch. Von Dohren, the track’s all-time leading feature winner, scored his first Freedom win in 1985, but did not get the second win until sixteen years later in 2001. Other wins followed in 2006, 2008, 2015, and his most recent was the 2022 championship event. Billy Pauch also with six, is a driver who was only a Grandview regular for a short time in his career. Pauch picked up his wins in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, and his final victory was in 2000.
Third most in Freedom 76 wins is Duane Howard with five Freedom 76 checkered flags. For Howard, a six-time track champion, his wins have also been spread out over a period of time, with the first Freedom win coming in 1993, followed with wins in 1997, 1999, 2011, and his most recent in 2018.
The very first race in 1971 saw track champion Ed Mumford score the win in what was at the time the longest race in track history. It was Mumford’s 13th win of the fourteen he would win that season on his way to the title. Mumford would come back in 1975 to claim his second and final Freedom win.
Other multi-time winners of the event include Meme DeSantis who is a three-time winner, with wins coming in 2002, 2009, and 2010. The now Sprint Car Hall of Famer Fred Rahmer also scored two Freedom wins early in his career, with wins in 1981 and 1983.
Ryan Godown joined the multi-time winners club, scoring his second Freedom 76 win in last year’s event after picking up his first 76er victory in the 2021 race event.
Drivers that have recorded that one precious win in a Freedom 76 include Glenn Fitzcharles in 1972, Roger Knappenberger in 1973, Mike Erb in 1974, Pete Damiani in 1976, Doug Carlyle in 1977, Bobby Hauer in 1978, and John Blackley in 1979 completing the decade of the 1970’s.
Single winners in the 1980’s include Paul Lotier in 1980, Smokey Warren in 1982, Doug Hoffman in 1984, Tom Mayberry in 1986, Davey Wenger in 1987, and Billy Schinkel in 1989.
Moving to the single winners in the 1990’s, the drivers to win include Kenny Brightbill in 1990, Chip Slocum in 1994, and Donny Erb in 1995.
More recent winners of one Freedom 76 in the 2000’s include Ray Swinehart in 2005, Stewart Friesen in 2014, and Mike Gular in 2019.
The 2022 edition was a classic Grandview duel that went down to the wire, with 2022 Track Champion Craig Von Dohren holding off a furious late race challenge from 2023 Track Champion Brett Kressley to score the Freedom 76 victory. Jeff Strunk, Billy Pauch Jr., and Kyle Weiss rounded out the top five finishers.
Last year’s 2023 event saw Ryan Godown fight off the challenges of several drivers on his way to his second Freedom 76 win, with Doug Manmiller finishing a close second followed by Mike Gular, Rick Laubach, and Craig Von Dohren.
Drivers who have won this season who will be in action this Saturday include Brett Kressley with five, Louden Reimert with three, Doug Manmiller and Eric Kormann with two wins (each one plus a Thunder Series win), and John Willman, Bobby Trapper Jr., Nate Brinker, Cody Manmiller, Ryan Watt, and Craig Von Dohren all with one win each.
Last season over seventy drivers competed in the Freedom 76, and this year’s event should see the Grandview regulars battle it out with a whole host of invaders for the big championship prize. It should be another edge of your seat night of racing action for the final T.P. Trailer Modified race of the season.
For the latest updates, check in with the Grandview Speedway Facebook page.
As has been a tradition for many seasons, lap money will be paid to the drivers leading the laps in the Freedom 76, along with several extra special awards to include:
FREEDOM 76 FEATURE WINNER’S BONUS - $1000 - From NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series
FREEDOM 76 FEATURE WINNER’S BONUS - $1000 - From NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series if winner has competed in all Saturday NASCAR point races at Grandview Speedway during 2024 racing season.
MODIFIED HARD CHARGER - $1776 - From Bobby Gunther-Walsh and his sponsors – The following sponsors have contributed to the Hard Charger Award – Res Q Natural Supplements, Drs. Eric Lebby and Thomas DiBenedetto Orthopedic Specialists, Eden East Designs, Just Born Confections, and Agentis Plumbing. The driver advancing the most positions in the Freedom 76 from their scheduled starting spot to their finishing position receives the Hard Charger Award.
MODIFIED HARD LUCK OR NON QUALIFIER AWARD - $276 - From Bobby Gunther-Walsh and his sponsors – The following sponsors have contributed to the Hard Luck Award – Res Q Natural Supplements, Drs. Eric Lebby and Thomas DiBenedetto Orthopedic Specialists, Eden East Designs, Just Born Confections, and Agentis Plumbing. This award will be determined by the track officials on race night.
LYNN HIMES GREAT EFFORT AWARD – $100 - Sponsored by T.P. Trailers & Truck Equipment & the Perkins Family (presented to the highest finishing driver NOT in the top 10 in Grandview Modified Points) in memory of Carole Lynn Himes, a long-time familiar face at Grandview Speedway
TRACK OFFICIALS MODIFIED NON-QUALIFIER AWARD - $225 - Free Engine re-sealing for 2025 season from Grandview track officials (must be within 50-mile radius)
BILL BROWN & CO. PRINTING AND PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS (OWNER KEN BRUCE) HEAT WINNERS BONUS - $50 – To each Freedom 76 heat race winner
VINCE GAGLIARDO SR. MEMORIAL LAP 41 BONUS - $100 – Last car running on track on lap 41
$4777 - in bonuses $2826 - in lap money $7603 - total bonuses and lap money!!!
GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PERSONS FOR THE BONUSES FOR THE 11th ANNUAL FREEDOM 38 SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP……..
FREEDOM 38 FEATURE WINNER’S BONUS - $500 - From NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series
FREEDOM 38 FEATURE WINNER’S BONUS - $500 - From NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series if winner has competed in all Saturday NASCAR point races at Grandview Speedway during 2024 racing season.
STRINGERS COLLISION CENTER HEAT WINNERS BONUS - $75 – To each Freedom 38 heat race winner
STRINGERS COLLISION CENTER CONSOLATION WINNERS BONUS - $50 – To each Freedom 38 consolation race winner
JIMBO’S GUTTERS LEADER OF LAP 9 BONUS - $100 - Leader of lap 9 during Freedom 38
JIMBO’S GUTTERS LEADER OF LAP 19 BONUS - $100 - Leader of lap 19 during Freedom 38
STRINGERS COLLISION CENTER LEADER OF LAP 23 BONUS - $50 – Leader of lap 23 during Freedom 38
JIMBO’S GUTTERS LEADER OF LAP 29 BONUS - $100 - Leader of lap 29 during Freedom 38
SDS PHOTOGRAPHY 13th PLACE FINISHER BONUS - $100 - To the 13th place finisher in Freedom 38
STRINGERS COLLISION CENTER 23rd PLACE FINISHER BONUS - $50 – To the 23rd place finisher in Freedom 38
$2100 - in bonuses!
UPCOMING EVENTS –
Friday, September 20 – 11th annual FREEDOM 38 SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP – T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman 38 laps, Modified Practice for Freedom 76 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 21 – 54th annual FREEDOM 76 MODIFIED CLASSIC – T.P. Trailer Modifieds 76 laps – 7 pm
Saturday, September 28 – Outlaw Racing Series Enduro, Outlaw Racing Series Vintage, Xcel 600 Modifieds – 5 pm (Freedom 76 Rain date)
FREEDOM 76 WINNER’S LIST FREEDOM 38 WINNER’S LIST
2024 - ????? 2024 - ?????
2023 – Ryan Godown 2023 – Brian Hirthler
2022 – Craig Von Dohren 2022 – Ryan Grim
2021 – Ryan Godown 2021 – Jordan Henn
2020 – Jeff Strunk 2020 – Kevin Hirthler
2019 – Mike Gular 2019 – Brad Brightbill
2018 – Duane Howard 2018 – Kevin Hirthler
2017 – Jeff Strunk 2017 – Ryan Beltz
2016 – Jeff Strunk 2016 – Brandon Grosso
2015 – Craig Von Dohren 2015 – Craig Whitmoyer
2014 – Stewart Friesen 2014 – Jared Umbenhauer
2013 – Jeff Strunk
2012 – Jeff Strunk
2011 – Duane Howard
2010 – Meme DeSantis
2009 – Meme DeSantis
2008 – Craig Von Dohren
2007 – Jeff Strunk
2006 – Craig Von Dohren
2005 – Ray Swinehart
2004 – Jeff Strunk
2003 – Jeff Strunk
2002 – Meme DeSantis
2001 – Craig Von Dohren
2000 – Billy Pauch
1999 – Duane Howard
1998 – Billy Pauch
1997 – Duane Howard
1996 – Billy Pauch
1995 – Donny Erb
1994 – Chip Slocum
1993 – Duane Howard
1992 – Billy Pauch
1991 – Billy Pauch
1990 – Kenny Brightbill
1989 – Billy Schinkel
1988 – Billy Pauch
1987 – Davey Wenger
1986 – Tom Mayberry
1985 – Craig Von Dohren
1984 – Doug Hoffman
1983 – Fred Rahmer
1982 – Smokey Warren
1981 – Fred Rahmer
1980 – Paul Lotier
1979 – John Blackley
1978 – Bobby Hauer
1977 – Doug Carlyle
1976 – Pete Damiani
1975 – Eddie Mumford
1974 – Mike Erb
1973 – Roger Knappenberger
1972 – Glenn Fitzcharles
1971 – Eddie Mumford |
