However, due to inclement weather, Week 2 of racing has been canceled and fans will have to wait another week to enjoy five divisions of racing.

“One of the hardest decisions for the track is to cancel races, especially when weather is still unknown,” Jennerstown general manager Bill Hribar said. “But we felt it was the best decision for everyone involved to cancel early and start fresh next week.”

Despite the setback in the schedule, Jennerstown has already produced plenty of excitement in just one week of action that will likely carry on throughout the year.

A first-time winner, a full field in the Late Model Division, and the new Pro Stock Division of racing highlighted the night of competition. Jennerstown continues to improve its product each and every week.

The Late Model Division will be racing 40-lap features this year with so many drivers in the field, providing an opportunity to spread out and race each other rather than forcing the issue and getting stuck in packs.

“The speeds out of these cars … these guys have always been fast, but they did their homework over the winter and are really turning some top speeds,” Hribar said.

New division debuts

The One Stop Auto Sales Pro Stock Division, which is new to Jennerstown this year, was owned by Chris Brink, who is a previous Modified champ. Coming off neck surgery in 2020, Brink won the heat race and cruised to victory in the 20-lap feature.

Chuck Kessler, who returned to the track and more than an 18-year hiatus was also one of nine drivers in the new Pro Stock Division. Despite a mechanical issue that led to a wreck in the heat race, Kessler will return to action with a new car, looking to climb the standings when racing resumes.

The level of talent in the new division will be as strong as any this year at Jennerstown. Besides Brink, who has a bevy of racing experience at different tracks, Dale Kimberly is a 2-time defending Charger champion and will also challenge for a title in this division. Fourteen-year-old Will Hemminger is already turning heads after finishing second a week ago. Jeff Giles and David Campbell will be challengers for a crown.

Speedway showcasing drivers

Each division of racing is going to be steeped in talent. With new drivers already gracing victory lane, it speaks volumes to the caliber of drivers at the speedway.

“Just look at the Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modifieds Division, Adam Henry of Friedens, who is probably only in his 10th or 12th start in the division, led from green to checker to get his first ever win,” Hribar said. “He got a new car last year, raced it two or three times, and he is already out of the gate with a win.”

RJ Dallape, John Fama and Doug Glessner finished second through fourth, respectively. Reigning Modified champion Anthony Aiello took fifth in Week 1. Jason Busch and Tom Golish followed. Those are all familiar names to races fans at Jennerstown. It is going to be a dog fight each week in the Modified Division with the bar set high already.

“Starting position is going to be key this year when you have this much competition in any of these divisions,” Hribar said. “You have six or seven drivers in these divisions that can win on any given night.”

Fans filling the stands at Jennerstown

Last year, Jennerstown had to follow guidelines regarding social distancing and fan limitations during the season because of COVID-19. This year, fans are back in full, something Hribar is looking forward to seeing each week.

“There was so much tension in the air last year,” Hribar said. “You didn’t know what was going to happen from week to week and day to day what regulations were going to change. We followed those to the fullest to keep everyone safe. It is very inviting now to see fans back after being cooped up.”

Fans in the stands adds another important element to racing. That was something missing, not only at Jennerstown, but tracks across the country.

“Racing is nothing without fans in the stands,” Hribar said. “We had a lot of fans in the stands Opening Night and 82 cars in the pits, and that is exciting for us all.”

May 15th is Armed Forces Appreciation Night along with five divisions of racing including the Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and 4-cylinders.

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. Contact him at aripple@dailyamerican.com. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport