Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – LEHIGHTON, PA – The Race of Champions Modified Series visited Mahoning Valley Speedway for the second and final time in 2024 running the ‘Spring Zing 100” at the competitive multi-groove track.
Austin Kochenash of Danielsville, Pa., started 14th and made a daring move to work around leaders Earl Paules of Palmerton, Pa., and Roger Coss of Lafeyette, NJ, to take the lead and hold off challenges mounted in the closing laps of the event to secure the victory. It was Kochenash’s second career win in the Series.
“This was a big day for our family,” stated Kochenash from victory lane. “We had a great car and it was a challenging race. There was a lot of passing and close competition. I’m just proud that we are here and back in victory lane. This is a great feeling.”
Kochenash was one of many driver’s in contention throughout the event. Jack Ely of Northampton, Pa., led the race past the halfway point before Zane Zeiner of Bath, Pa., worked his way to the top spot. Zeiner was involved in a melee before Paules took his turn at the front. Coss, who finished second in the first race was seeking his first Series victory.
When the dust settled, Paules and Blake Barney from Jackson, NJ battled Kochenash to the checkered flag with Barney finishing second and Paules third. Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., recovered from a spin to finish fourth. Defending Series champion, Zane Zeiner of Bath, Pa., recovered to finish fifth.
Hirschman turned in the fastest time in group qualifying. The qualifying races were won by Hirschman, Lou Strohl of Palmerton, Pa.; Paulie Hartwig, III of Galloway, NJ; and Kyle Strohl of Palmerton, Pa.
The event was originally scheduled to be a partnership with Mahoning Valley Speedway and all teams were awarded “show up” points.
The next race for the Race of Champions “Family of Series” is this Saturday at Wyoming County International Speedway “The Bullring” in Perry, NY. The next race for the Race of Champions Modified Series will be Saturday, Jue 15 at Chemung (NY) Speedrome, where the Series will celebrate it’s 300th race. Stay tuned for more information in regard to this.