Story By: JEREMY PERRY / GENESEE SPEEDWAY – BATAVIA, NY – Friday’s opening night of the Topless Nationals kicked off in thrilling fashion, drawing an impressive 103 race cars to the fairgrounds. The evening’s festivities took a heartwarming turn as Santa Claus made a special appearance, courtesy of Mini Stock driver Robert Knapp II. Traveling from the North Pole, jolly old Saint Nick spread holiday cheer by distributing gifts to over 70 delighted kids in attendance, adding a magical touch to an already electrifying night of racing.
Friday night’s Rush Late Model race saw a thrilling upset as 14-year-old Brock Pinkerous emerged victorious, claiming the $4,100 top prize. Pinkerous initially took the lead from track champion Dave DuBois, but Jeremy Wonderling, a five-time winner in the 2024 season, briefly stole the spotlight with a move on the Lap 14 restart. Undeterred, Pinkerous refused to back down, executing a slide job in turns 1 and 2 on Lap 19 to reclaim the lead. Despite being only his second visit to the track, Pinkerous held his nerve, leading the final 11 laps to secure the feature event win in stunning fashion.
Damian Long’s month of September took a dramatic turn when a blown motor at Ransomville Speedway seemed to derail his chances. However, fate intervened when Dick Park, owner of the 3D Street Stock machine, offered Long the opportunity to pilot his car at Topless Nationals. Seizing the chance, Long started on the front row of the 20-lap feature and took control from the start. Despite intense pressure from John Zimmerman, who repeatedly challenged Long’s lead, Long remained nearly flawless over the final 11 laps, securing a triumphant victory and putting the Thrasher Chassis in Victory Lane.
The Rush Pro Mod division at Genesee Speedway promised a thrilling three-way battle between Zain Harvey, JD Chamberlain, and John Woodward Jr. However, Harvey’s night was cut short when a flat tire struck on lap 7, leaving Woodward and Chamberlain to duel it out. The two drivers engaged in a tense, side-by-side showdown for nearly 10 laps, with Woodward commanding the high line and Chamberlain dominating the low groove. In a desperate bid to overtake Woodward, Chamberlain switched to the high line on lap 17, but his move ended in disaster as he spun out in turns 3 and 4, prompting a yellow flag. Woodward pulled away from Nick Arnold on the restart, securing his first-ever win at Genesee Speedway.
Ricky Newton, the most successful driver in the Sportsman division at Topless Nationals since its inception in 2017, initially led the way, setting the pace for the first three laps. However, Dave Conant soon seized control, taking the top spot and holding onto it with determination. Conant’s last trip to Victory Lane at the speedway dated back to May 13th, 2023, and he was eager to repeat the feat. A lap 19 caution bunched up the field, positioning 2024 track champion Phil Vigneri III right behind Conant. Despite the pressure and challenging restarts, Conant returned to Victory Lane in triumphant fashion.
The Mini Stock feature at Topless Nationals drew an impressive field of 28 competitors, with Dylan Strade leading the early stages. However, Strade’s momentum was halted on lap 13 when his motor failed, relinquishing the lead. Chaos ensued on lap 14 as new leader Robert Knapp suddenly lost power on the front stretch, sending the pack scattering in all directions. Capitalizing on the mayhem, James Gayton, who had been consistently fast all night, seized the top spot. With five laps remaining, Gayton navigated the final circuits to secure his second-ever win at Topless Nationals.
Rush Late Models feature (30 laps) – BROCK PINKEROUS, David Pangrazio, Jeremy Wonderling, Dave Dubois, Dusty Waters, Jason Genco, Kurt Stebbins, JJ Mazur, Jason Knowles, Ian Travis, Alan Chapman, John Rivers, John Mcintyre, Dan Lepro, Brady Wonderling, Billy Dubois, Stan Zanctin, Paul Grigsby, Bill Holmes, Mikey Wonderling, Doug Ricotta, Rob Ledingham
Street Stocks feature (20 laps) – DAMIAN LONG, John Zimmerman, Byron DeWitt, Brandon Sherwood, Dale Rissinger, Brian Mohawk, Mike Kelly, Anthony Mascato, Butch Zimmerman, Mike Fellows, Sherman Gage, Trent Chamberlain, Chuck Mogavero, Mike McCarthy, Jimmy Grant, Kenny Begnoche, Joey Zimmerman, Wade DeRock, Jeff Almenkinder, Jonathan Almenkinder, Rich Conte – DNS, Jesse Qutermous – DNS
Rush Pro Mods feature (20 laps) – JOHN WOODWARD JR, Critter Hemphill, Nick Arnold, Tom Root, Tommy Kemp, JD Chamberlain, Zain Harvey, Nate Koson
Sportsman feature (30 laps) – DAVE CONANT, Derrick McGrew Jr, Phil Vigneri III, Tyler Guzzardi, Ricky Newton, Ryan Barrett, Sam Hoxie, Ray Bliss, Tony Pangrazio, Boyd MacTavish, Greg Mrzywka, Henry Maier, Jessica Kriegisch, Chase Spoor, Evan Nugent, Noah Pangrazio, Joe Mickey, Gordy Hermanson, Brandon Michaud, John Venuto, Adam Hilton, Billy Bleich, John Williams, Lucas Newton
Mini Stocks feature (20 laps) – JAMES GAYTON, Seth Johnson, Brian Johnson, DJ Williams, Eric Brumsted, Cody Griffin, Racelyn Lippa, Jessica Petry, Dave Smith, Cody Wise, Mike Dinehart, Paige Gayton, Larry Wise, Ian Paul, Zach Petry, Mike Becker, Dan Bittinger, Bill Kapelke, Robert Knapp II, Chris Skobjak, Sherman Gage, Gary Hopkins, Eric Weis, James Little, Amber Lang – DNS