JENNERSTOWN — After two weeks of postponements, Jennerstown Speedway finally opened its 2026 racing season, Saturday, May 9.
Doug Glessner led all 20 laps of the Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modified feature to earn the first checkered flag of the season.
A crash sent heat race winner Jeff Giles into the wall on Lap 1.
Glessner, who started on the pole, pulled away from Anthony Aiello. It was a special win for the Boswell driver, honoring his father who died in the offseason. Glessner’s brother, Dale worked through the nine-car field to finish third.
Pole-sitter Brian Ready led the first 18 laps of the Integrity Coatings Chargers feature.
However, Carley Awtey, who was on Ready’s tail throughout much of the feature, made a late-race pass on the outside and earned victory No. 1.
Awtey, the Jenners driver who won four times last season, made an early pass to take second from Donald Lybarger Jr.
Ready had a nice lead, but Awtey continued to chip away, eventually pulling ahead with two to go. Defending champion, Ken Burkholder finished third in the eight-car feature.
It was a two-car battle in the Somerset Trust Fast 4s 15-lap feature.
Seth Nedrow started on the front row and fended on defending division and national champion, Cameron Ruggles for the victory.
Ruggles tried to chase down Nedrow, but the Stahlstown driver outlasted the Richmond, Virginia competitor. Nedrow won four times last season and is off to a fast start in 2026. Noah Hirko finished a distant third.
Kyle Burkholder cruised to a win in the One Stop Auto Sales Pro Stock 20-lap feature.
A chilling single-car crash halted action three laps in. Veteran Chris Brink’s throttle remained open, and he sailed his race car over the wall just ahead of the final turn. He was checked on the scene and was interviewed following the incident, escaping without any serious injuries.
Burkholder led the reminder of the race, besting Josh Dunmyer and defending champ, Brent Bickerstaff in the six-car feature.
A slight wiggle at the start of the 20-lap Ron’s Collision Center Street Stock feature appeared as if it was going to cost Stoystown’s Rick Meehleib a victory.
Somerset’s Scott Mitchell, who started next to Meehleib on the front row in the six-car field, took advantage and led until nine to go. However, Meehleib’s persistent pursuit proved to be too much, as he regained the lead and rolled to a win ahead of Mitchell and John Fama.
Richard Meehleib Jr. was also in the hunt, racing third before a car issue slowed him on the backstretch of the final lap.
Joe Maruca showcased dominance in the Martella’s Pharmacies Late Model race. The Slickville driver started on the pole and drove away with the victory.
With only 10 cars in the field and two out early following a crash, there was no one who could contend with Maruca, who matched his win total from last season. Boswell’s R.J. Dallape and Somerset’s Jarred Barclay finished second and third, respectively.
Mike Bakalon won the Crown Vic Northeast Series feature to wrap up the night. He led all 20 laps in a battle of 10 cars.
Jennerstown Speedway hosts 6-division racing on Operation Vet Now Night, Saturday, May 16.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Trio of Somerset County drivers win on Opening Night at Jennerstown
