(Joe Cutri photo)

ST. JOHNS, Pa. -- Even though Brian Defebo was the second to last car out to qualify for the modified division Sunday at Mountain Speedway, the '02 and '03 champion blistered off a lap of 13.664 seconds, which earned him the pole position for the track's opener next Sunday.

Second year late model driver, Joe Hoffman topped his division with a lap of 14.940 seconds, and Jim Yamelski will start on the point opening day in the street stocks after running a lap of 15.804 seconds.

NEETS Holiday Stock Cars Series standout, Richard Petey is on the point for the thriller division. While newcomer, Chris Walk shot his way to the front of the charts for the 4 cyl. thrillers.

Two 'Best Appearing' awards were presented from Valley Service Equipment Repair for the two race machines that had the best colors and paint schemes. Lehighton's Scott Meckes's #26 street stock, and Northampton's Paul Koehler Jr.'s #00 late model were voted the winners.

Mountain Speedway's season opener is Sunday, April 17th. The grandstands open at noon and racing kicks off at 2:00 P.M. During intermission on the same day, the speedway will host its second big wheel series event of the season, where any little fan can race their big wheel for fame and prizes. Opening day will provide all the modified, late model, street stock, thriller and 4 cyl. thriller action, with extended-lap feature events.

For additional information, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.

RESULTS

Top 3 fastest qualifiers:

MODIFIED
1. 53 Brian Defebo (13.664)
2. 52 Matt Hirschman
3. 98 Pete Brittian

LATE MODEL
1. 20 Joe Hoffman (14.940)
2. 19 Larry Fisher
3. 11 Mike Rodriguiz, Jr.

STREET STOCK
1. 9 Jim Yamelski (15.804)
2. 26 Scott Meckes
3. 23 Brad Kline

THRILLER
1. 43 Richard Petey (18.391)
2. 72 Mark Paine
3. 16 Sue Collins

4 CYL. THRILLER
1. 04 Chris Walk (19.420)
2. 30 Joe Grocholski
3. 8s David Sokol Jr.