DECKER OPENS FULTON SPEEDWAY NEW ERA WITH DIRT BIG BLOCK  MODIFIED VICTORY

FULTON, NY...Billy Decker opened up the new era at Fulton Speedway by winning the 35-lap DIRT Big Block Modified feature race last Saturday night. Decker earned $2,000 for the victory in the Gypsum Wholesalers ride. He edged out fellow team driver Pat Ward's Gypsum Express car. Despite cold temperatures, the largest opening night crowd in recent memory witnessed the fast-paced race program.

     Ward raced out to the early lead at the start of the DIRT Big Block Modiffied feature from the outside pole starting position. The side by side battle for the lead started instantly between Ward and Decker. Ward would officially lead the first nine laps over the 25-car starting field.

     Decker got by Ward to lead the tenth circuit. But, it was Ward in command once again on lap 11. The lead would change hands officially the next four circuits. On lap 15 Decker crossed the finish line first over Ward. At this time Tim Fuller was starting to close in on the lead duo.

     At the halfway point Decker, Ward, Fuller, Jeff Rudalavage and Scott Prentice raced in the top five positions. Tom Sears, Vinnie Vitale, Jimmy Phelps, John Barker and Ryan Baye occupied positions sixth through tenth at the halfway mark. Fans were treated to typical two, three and four wide excitement on the smooth track surface.

     In the final stages of the main event the battle for the lead turned into a two car battle between Decker and Ward. Decker drove a flawless race to earn the popular opening night win with Ward finishing a strong second. Fuller, Rudalavage and Prentice completed the top five feature finishers. The 358 Modified bonus money went to Barker and Ryan Baye. The drivers earned an additional $200 and $100 respectively.

     Chad Phelps started off the season in style by winning the 20-lap DIRT Sportsman feature event. Mike Button, Kevin Bates, Greg Doust and Tom Juhl followed Phelps across the finish line. Doust led the first five laps of the main event. Phelps took command on lap six and led the rest of the distance in the race only slowed for one minor caution period.

     Two-time defending Fulton Speedway DIRT Pro Stock Track Champion Jeremy Clark is looking to make it three in a row. Clark started the new year off strong by winning the opening 20-lap main event. T.J. Fitzgibbons, Jason Rood, Pat Hobbs and Bret Belden completed the top five feature finishers.

     Defending Fulton Speedway Pure Stock Track Champion Phil Marsden started off his title defense in good fashion by winning the initial 15-lap feature of the season. Russ Marsden, Steve Woodworth, Chuck Lacey and Gary Barton finished in positions second through fifth respectively.

     Dan Hoffman Jr. won the opening Four Cylinder Enduro of the season last Saturday night. Chad Guthrie, Jerry Herbert, Ken Lathrop and Mat Fey followed Hoffman across the finish line.

     Action will continue this Saturday at Fulton Speedway with a big five class, five feature show. The DIRT Big Block Modifieds / 358 Modifieds combined will have a 35-lap event. A 25-lap race is also scheduled for the 358 Modifieds which is a Syracuse Sunoco A/Plus Qualifier. The Sportsman, Pro Stocks and Pure Stocks complete the great evening of family entertainment which will start at 7 p.m. For more information please call 315-593-6531 or go on line to www.fultonspeedway.com.

FEATURE RACE SUMMARY

DIRT BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS---Billy Decker, Pat Ward, Tim Fuller, Jeff Rudalavage, Scott Prentice, Jimmy Phelps, Tom Sears, John Barker, Vinnie Vitale, Ryan Baye, Yannick Ledoux, Bob Holland, Jeff Isabell, Russ Hendrickson Jr., Brian Murphy, Dave Ruascher, Ricky Breed, Sean Beardsley, Jeremy Baye, Jim Witko, Tim Sears, Ryan Phelps, Dave Reilley, Craig Terrell, Matt Sheppard.

DIRT SPORTSMAN---Chad Phelps, Mike Button, Kevin Bates, Greg Doust, Tom Juhl, Ryan Richardson, Eric Richardson, Mark Yorker, Jim Kite, Donnie Wetmore Jr., Bill Shantel Jr., Sam Reakes IV, Scott Nash, Mike Teachout, Terry Knoblock, Jeremy Vunk, Kyle Lewis, Chuck Demott, Ken Stafford, Mike Bowman, Mike Zimmerman, Harvey Calkins Jr., Stewart Garrison, Jeremy Pitcher.

DIRT PRO STOCKS---Jeremy Clark, T.J. Fitzgibbons, Jason Rood, Pat Hobbs, Bret Belden, Scott Kocher, Dave Moyer, John Underwood, Paul Stoneburg, Dave Briggs, Don Decker, Bob Buono, Jesse Updike, Jack Terrell, Alan Fink.

PURE STOCKS---Phil Marsden, Russ Marsden, Steve Woodworth, Chuck Lacey, Gary Barton, Rob Whipple, Brandon Warner, John Phillips, Dan Hoffman Sr., Don Stevenson, Joe Buske, Chad Crouse, Rick DeGroff, Matt Steckel, Dan Hill, Gary Donahue, Ron Hawker, Dave Janczuk, Curt Prevo.

FOUR CYLINDER ENDURO TOP FIVE---Dan Hoffman Jr., Chad Guthrie, Jerry Herbert, Ken Lathrop, Matt Fey.