Matt Sheppard breaks into NES win column

NEW EGYPT - Matt Sheppard of Waterloo overtook race leader Ken Carberry with just eight laps to go and drove to victory in the 30 lap DIRTcar Modified feature event on Perlmutter Shop-Rite's Mother's Day Bouquet Night at New Egypt Speedway.

Sheppard, who started 16th, used every possible groove as he raced to the front and claimed the $3,000 first prize.

"The track was in great shape tonight," stated Sheppard. "It has been hard starting back in 16th or 18th every week, but tonight our set-up was on and it all came together."

Carberry jumped out in front at the beginning of the 30-lap event with Bucky Kell and Tim Tanner Jr. giving chase. Carberry cruised out in front during the first half of the race as Kell had his hands full with the likes of Ryan Godown and Keith Hoffman. Sheppard emerged into the top five just past halfway and used every inch of the speedway as he raced under and around the competition on his way to his first win of 2007. Ryan Godown got by Carberry late to finish second, followed by Carberry. Kell crossed the line fourth with Hoffman holding on to finish fifth.

Willie Osmun of Bloomsbury won his 12th career Sportman feature, his second of the season. Osmun picked up $1,500 for taking the special Mother's Day 25-lap event. Last week's winner Rocco Infante ran out of time and settled for second. Early leaders Gene Stravinsky and John McClelland finished third and fourth respectively with Mike Howardson rounding out the top five.

Rain hit the speedway with just one race left on the card. The Super Stocks were on the speedway and about to get the green flag when the sky let loose. The event will be re-scheduled in the future on a date to be announced soon.

In the sixth race of the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookie Sportsman series, Danny Bouc of Plumsteadville, PA, won for the fifth time in six tries. He is now just one away from tying the record for all-time Rookie feature wins currently held by Scott Reid. Jeff Marcucci drove home second over Dan Waisempacher, Joe Systo and Bobby Butler.

Elliott and Liedl share Friday night spotlight

Ricky Elliott of Seaford, DE, rebounded back from a lap two tangle and went on to capture the 25-lap Super Late Model feature event on Friday night at New Egypt Speedway. Elliott passed leader Kenny Pettyjohn with just four laps remaining to complete his charge to the front where he held on to claim the $2,500 top prize.

"My hat's off to track crew," stated Elliott. "They gave us a great track to race on tonight. You could pass anywhere and we were able to use that to our advantage. I know they have worked hard here (at New Egypt), this is a great deal they have put together for the Super Late Models and we are going to support it whenever we can."

David Pettyjohn came back to finish second, with Malcomb, Ormsbee and Bill Liedtka completing the top five.

In the Lucas Ford SS Sprint main event, Art Liedl of Flemington won his first of the year, the 16th of his career. Liedl showed his grit as he held of a hard charging Kevin Nagy over the final two laps to win by three feet. Nagy finished second followed by Mark Bitner, Tom Wyckoff and Lee Taylor Jr.

The Keystone Legends tour made their first of three scheduled appearances Friday night with Rodney Kistler taking top honors in the 15-lap event. Kistler used every groove on the track as he raced three and four wide on his march to the front. Grabbing the lead with five to go, Kistler held on for a popular win over a fast Josh Morrow. Craig Rochelle settled for third, followed by Steve Nederostek & Jason Rochelle.

In the 1- lap Outlaw Stock feature Jeff Dirkes picked up the win when first place finisher Pat Conaway was penalized two spots for his contact with race long leader Gary Klimeczak with five laps remaining. Klimeczak spun but was able to continue and without a caution flag the rest of the way the penalty was assessed at the end. Brian Ludwig ended up with a second place finish with Conaway being placed third. Rob Longo came home in fourth followed by Chris Felber fifth.

In the Crate 1 Sportsman feature event, E.J. Harrington of won for the first time in his career. Pat Hires finished a strong second, trailed by Dave Gorbatuk, Mike Fattori and Scott Cranstoun. The next Friday night show will be on May 25th, featuring the Super Late Models going at it again for $2,500 to win. SS Sprints, Outlaw Stocks, and Crate 1 Sportsman will also help kick off Memorial Day weekend. Saturday night it will be the Mr. Super Stock Classic title race at New Egypt Speedway sponsored by Roveda Speed and Custom. The racing will feature a full card of big-block Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks & the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookies. Sunday evening will feature the nationally renowned World of Outlaw Sprint Car tour making its only stop in NJ in 2007.