Thunder Mountain Speedway
Ben Satterlee nabs first Late Model victory
From track reports
Dave and Ben Satterlee in victory lane. (Joe Nowak)
KNOXDALE, Pa. (June 27) — With his father Dave having much success during his storied Late Model career, Ben Satterlee broke into victory lane for the first time by claiming the $2,000 Mike Eberl Memorial feature at Thunder Mountain Speedway. The event honored the former Thunder Mountain track photographer who died during the off season and more $3,500 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in his name.
After a dominating performance in winning his heat race, Ben Satterlee parked his No. 97 in victory lane after holding off a late charge from Ed Connor. “That was a long race, I just wanted it to be over," the Rochester Mills, Pa., driver said. "“My crew was all sick and stayed home, so I borrowed dad’s crew tonight.”
Dave Satterlee had carburetor problems after his heat race and scratched for the night.
Heat winners Cody Shultz, Luke Hoffner, and Ben Satterlee headed the top 12 drivers from qualifying for the redraw on the frontstretch. With Dwayne Taneyhill and Satterlee drawing positions 1 and 2 respectively, the field was set for the 35-lap shootout. Satterlee bolted to the lead from the start with Taneyhill settling into second. Behind the front two cars, Hoffner and Shultz were side by side for third before Hoffner took the spot in turn three. Hoffner began to challenge Taneyhill for second before Jeremy Newcome brought out the first yellow with a spin in turn four. The restart was negated with a Jerry Redden spin heading to the green. While Redden was being hooked to the wrecker with rear-end damage, Hoffner stopped in turn three with the same fate.
When racing resumed, Satterlee remained the leader and was opening breathing room between himself and Taneyhill, and both pulling away from the battle for third with Shultz and Matt Gaston. The battle for fifth was heating up with Rick Maxim and Jason Witherite swapping the position on lap five with Witherite holding the spot after lap six. Back up front, the top two cars of Satterlee and Taneyhill were still pulling away as Shultz drifted high in turn two allowing Gaston to sneak under the No. 7 into third on lap nine. Satterlee entered lapped traffic on lap 11, but his path was cleared with a caution for Bob Sheesley. Witherite took fourth from Shultz on the restart before a lap-15 caution for Bruce Raybuck reset the field once again. Under yellow, Taneyhill headed to the pits ending his fine run.
Satterlee lead the lap-16 restart ahead of Gaston who inherited second from Taneyhill’s exit. Witherite was in third and engaged in a battle with Ed Connor for the position. Connor took the spot and was on the back bumper of Gaston at the halfway mark. The battle for second was side by side until a lap-21 caution flew as Connor nipped Gaston at the line for second. With action back underway, Satterlee continued leading Connor as Gaston had his hands full with a Witherite challenge. Witherite took third on lap 23 as yellow flew for Bobby McMillen who slowed on the frontstretch.
Connor looked under Satterlee on the restart, but Satterlee had the momentum out of turn two and maintained his lead. While the leaders were battling, Witherite made up ground and was poised to join the fight for the point. With 10 laps to go, action was slowed with a Denny Fenton spin in turn two. Satterlee had a good restart and lead Connor into turn one as Witherite pressured Connor for second. John Chesnalavich moved into fifth ahead of Shultz before losing the handle in turn two. As caution flew, Chesnalavich continued on as the cars of Raybuck and Maxim were tangled. Both cars were done for the night after 27 laps were in the books.
Satterlee lead the ensuing restart over Connor, Witherite, Gaston and Darrell Bossard. With five laps remaining, the field begun to string themselves out, apparently preparing for a two-lap fight to the finish. As the twin sticks were displayed, Connor drove under Satterlee in turn four and the leaders were side-by-side at the line. Satterlee held off the charge in turn lone and led down the backstretch. With the white flag waving, Connor closed on Satterlee in turn four once again as Witherite made it a three-car battle. Satterlee was solid through turns one and two allowing him to gain a five-length advantage heading into turn three. Connor made up the distance in turn four and was right behind the leader as the checkered flags were in the air. Satterlee won by one length over Connor. Satterlee enjoyed a victory lane celebration with the family of Mike Eberl, who was awarded several tokens of appreciation from the track, fans, and drivers, including a framed checkered flag autographed by all drivers in attendance. Satterlee also collected an additional $200 in lap money for his win.
Thunder Mountain Speedway (July 27): (1) Ben Satterlee, (2) Ed Connor (3) Jason Witherite, (4) Matt Gaston, (5) Darrell Bossard, (6) Keith Witherite, (7) Todd Baumgardner, (8) Bruce Raybuck, (9) John Chesnalavich Jr., (10) Donnie Connor, (11) Denny Fenton, (12) Brian Smith, (13) Bob Sheesley, (14) Cody Shultz, (15) Rick Maxim, (16) Bobby McMillen, (17) Dwayne Taneyhill, (18) Jeremy Newcome, (19) Luke Hoffner, (20) Jerry Redden. Scratched: Chuck Kennedy, Dave Satterlee.
