Story By: JEREMY PERRT / MCKEAN COUNTY RACEWAY – SMETHPORT, PA – What a difference a year makes! Last year’s Fall Classic was washed out by rain and chilling temperatures in the low 40s, but this year’s event couldn’t have been more picturesque. Under brilliant sunshine, temperatures soared to a balmy 77 degrees on race day, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the chill of night began to creep in, but the excitement of 109 cars racing at the fairgrounds kept the energy electric, warming the hearts of drivers and fans alike.
The Fall Classic at McKean County Raceway is synonymous with Super Late Models, and this year’s event delivered. Following Drake Troutman’s July victory, Saturday’s $3,000-to-win feature drew top talent, including Jon Lee, Dylan Yoder, Andrew Yoder, and Greg Oakes, among others. Lee set the pace with a 16.110 quick time and dominated his heat race. In the feature, Dylan Yoder led from the start, but Lee challenged after a lap 9 restart, passing Oakes, and setting his sights on Yoder. Despite identical lap times, cautions hindered Lee’s momentum. After the final caution on lap 16, Yoder pulled away, hitting his marks to secure his second career MCR victory, leading all 25 laps.
Mike Parmenter put on a dominating performance in the Costa’s Supermarket Pure Stock division on Saturday night, sweeping the feature event from start to finish. Starting from the pole, Parmenter faced immediate pressure from Joe Skinner, but remained poised and unflappable, never relinquishing his lead. Parmenter navigated the 15-lap feature, leading every lap to secure a convincing victory.
The Beaver Trucking and Excavating Sharp Mini Late Models took center stage next, setting up a thrilling showdown between Rob Eaton and Josh Outman. Eaton seized the early lead, but Outman played the waiting game, biding his time with a faster car. Despite Eaton’s defensive driving, Outman’s patience finally paid off on lap 12 when Eaton slightly faltered, allowing Outman to capitalize and take the lead. Outman led the final three laps, securing the feature win and sweeping the weekend at MCR.
Addi Chamberlain bounced back in style, dominating the Troups Creek Heating Kids Mini Stock feature after a dramatic previous outing. Just two weeks prior, Chamberlain had remarkably secured a feature win on September 20th despite blowing up the motor in the Preston Cobb-owned Mini Stock. This time, with a newly replaced engine, Chamberlain started on the front row and led all 12 laps, cruising to a convincing victory and preserving the motor’s integrity.
A talented field of 22 McKan Trucking & PV Paving Rush Late Models assembled Saturday night, with Jeremy Wonderling’s absence opening doors for contenders. Notable visitors Bryce Davis, Zack Carley, and Jason Genco looked to seize the opportunity. David Parker initially led the feature, but Davis took control on lap 4, replicating his past success at MCR. Following five consecutive cautions between laps 6 and 7, the race went green for the remainder. Davis navigated lap traffic, securing his second feature win of the season at the Fairgrounds.
The Cobb brothers stole the show in Saturday’s Nittany Mini Mart Mini Stock class, with Preston and Ridge starting on the front row. Preston took the early lead, but Ridge seized control on lap 4. The feature’s drama unfolded on lap 6 when Khloe Griffin’s 13G machine nearly flipped after climbing the front straightaway wall, prompting the final caution. With nine laps remaining, Ridge Cobb dominated the restart, leading the remainder to secure the feature win and sweep the weekend’s Mini Stock events.
The Kane Stebbins Construction Rush Pro Mod Class concluded its season with the night’s final feature. Steve Dixon took the green flag, but a multi-car incident in turns 3 and 4 on lap 2 shook up the field, involving JD Chamberlain, Josh Canfield, and Critter Hemphill. Following the final caution, Josh Wilcox put pressure on Dixon, but Dixon held firm, securing the feature win, and sweeping the weekend’s Rush Pro Mod events.
As the checkered flag falls on McKean County Raceway’s 2024 season, track management extends its sincerest appreciation to the entire racing community. We’re grateful for the unwavering support of our devoted fans, the skill and sportsmanship of our talented drivers, the tireless efforts of our dedicated workers, and the invaluable partnerships with our sponsors. Your contributions have made this season truly special. As we shift gears into the offseason, stay tuned for exciting updates on the 2025 schedule. We look forward to welcoming you back to the track next year for another thrilling season of racing!
Pure Stocks feature (15 laps) – MIKE PARMENTER, Joe Skinner, Bruno Mowery, Lester Hudson, Brandon Conklin, Matt Grigsby, Ryan Johnson, Glen Layfield, Harold Brown, Tim Schram, Ryan Sullivan, Raven Burkett, Paul Beil, Tim Steis – DNS
Sharp Mini Late Models feature (15 laps) – JOSH OUTMAN, Rob Eaton, Val Learn, Chris Whyte, Donovan Sevrey, Carson Wonderling, Jesse Isadore, Brad Mesler, Draven Kuzminski, Rick Isadore – DNS, Jackson Himes – DNS
Kids Mini Stocks feature (12 laps) – ADDI CHAMBERLAIN, Brayden Davis, Bradley Weis, Brayden Babcock
Super Late Models feature (25 laps) – DYLAN YODER, John Lee, Greg Oakes, Andrew Yoder, Garrett Mott, Doug Eck, Michael Duritsky, John Weaver, Nickolas Eck, Brandon DeBrakeleer, Matt Martin, Larry Baer, Del Rougeux, Douglas Eck, Joe Petyak, Bump Hedman
Rush Late Models feature (20 laps) – BRYCE DAVIS, David Parker, Zack Carley, Paul Grigsby, Jason Genco, Brad Mesler, Jacob Tubbs, Ian Travis, Chuck LaFleur, Brett Marlatt, Ward Schell, Rob Middleton, DJ Krug, Gary Youngs, Kassandra Norman, Bill Holmes, Brady Wonderling, Tyler Fedorko, Steve Labbaron, Michael Samick, Bill Johnston
Mini Stocks feature (15 laps) – RIDGE COBB, DJ Williams, Hunter Flock, Don Whiteside, Jeff Wynes, Robert Knapp II, Trever Putt, Chris Leone, Zak Kline, Curt Rung, Ken Zimmerman, Kurt Babcock, Ian Paul, Ryan Plante, Bill Wetherly, Brian Johnson, Andrew Rickets, Cody Wise, Preston Cobb, Dylan Strade, Mike Becker, Khloe Griffin, Ryan Burke, Eric Weis
Rush Pro Mod feature (20 laps) – STEVE DIXON, Josh Wilcox, Chad Silleman, Ian Degolier, Derek Austin, Nick Arnold, Tommy Kemp, Tim Peterson, Critter Hemphill, Vaugh Nystrom, JD Chamberlain, Josh Canfield