By GLENN SLOCUM
BUSTI, N.Y. - One of the most fan favorite events of the Stateline Speedway racing season - Autograph Night - is scheduled for Saturday at the Busti oval.
All of the race cars, crews and drivers will be brought onto the speedway before those from the grandstands will be invited onto the track for the meet and greet. Several cars will have giveaways ranging from balloons to candy.
Waterford's Rich Gardner extended his Super Late Model points lead last Saturday by notching his first win of the season and19th of his Stateline career. The victory places the 2008 Super Late champ eighth on the all-time wins list. Corry's Doug Eck is second followed by Franklinville, N.Y.'s Greg Oakes, 2011 champ Dutch Davies of Warren and and 2009 champ Chad Valone.
Last week's Crate Late point leader Max Blair of Centerville was a no-show last week and Damian Bidwell was on hand to take advantage. Bidwell won his qualifying event and the feature to take over the points lead. Stockton, N.Y.'s Bob Dorman is second with Blair third.
Sherman, N.Y.'s Chris Ottaway heads the Limited Late class even though he has not visited victory lane this season. Waterford's Steve Kania is second, Garland's Ryan Scott is third and last week's Limited Late Special winner Dustin Eckman, Erie, is fourth.
Bear Lake's Scott Gurdak moved up to fourth in the E-Mod standings with his first win of the season last week. Warren's Butch Southwell remains the leader followed by Sherman, N.Y.'s Justin Carlson, Ashville, N.Y.'s Chuck Frye and Gurdak. After five races, there is yet to be a repeat winner in the division.
Dan Nocero Jr., Jamestown, N.Y., made his fourth visit to Super Sportsman victory lane a week ago, extending his points lead to over 100 ahead of Sherman, N.Y.'s Ben Burgess Jr.
Waterford's Chris Withers made it six in a row last Saturday as he dominated the Street Stock division. Stockton, N.Y.'s Brian Crandall is second, but is 222 points behind.
Frewsburg, N.Y.'s Josh Beckstrom became the third double feature Super Challenger winner last Saturday and leads Stockton N.Y.'s Chad Bender in the standings.
The first Kart point races will happen Saturday morning at the new Stateline Kart track. More information can be viewed at www.stateline-speedway.com/Karts.
Pits will be open at 4 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m. and racing will start promptly at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.stateline-speedway.com.