Dietrich and Hodnett Highlight the Northeast's Talent; Other Area Races Heating Up

It's almost impossible to deny, so why beat around the bush? Week in and week out this season since the snow melted and tracks opened their gates, Central PA drivers Danny Dietrich and Greg Hodnett have been the fastest and most consistent drivers hands down.

Other competitors have thrown their hats into the ring at different points in time, and we've witnessed some pretty incredible hot streaks in 2015. Stevie Smith's domination of PA Speedweeks, Dale Blaney's masterful driving in July, and Brent Marks three Port Royal triumphs in a seven-day span come to mind. But my point still stands, Dietrich and Hodnett have been the creme of the crop.

As evidenced by our Northeast Sprintcar Championship presented by R&R Racewear, the pair has blown away the competition (full standings can be found here).

Pos. [Points] Driver Name - Wins
1. [116] Danny Dietrich - 15 wins
2. [114] Greg Hodnett - 14 wins
3. [92] Dale Blaney - 12 wins
4. [80] Brian Montieth - 9 wins
5. [59] Stevie Smith - 9 wins

With the number of events winding down, I don't foresee anyone coming from 3rd on back to make a run at the title. However, a we have some very tight battles in each of our local breakdowns.

Dietrich and Hodnett will have a cage match of their own as they still have remaining races at Williams Grove, Port Royal, Lincoln, Susquehanna, and Path Valley Speedway.

In particular, the Ohio and Western PA areas are experiencing the tightest races. Byron Reed is holding down the top spot but only by 4 markers over fellow Ohio native Cole Duncan. With just 3 races left in the area at Atomic Speedway ($4,000 to win), Millstream Speedway, and Eldora Speedway (ASCoC-sanctioned), a win at either event could certainly shake up the standings.

The closest race can be found in Western PA where competitiveness comes at a premium. Veteran driver Mercer Raceway Park track champion Jack Sodeman, Jr sits just 1 point ahead of 2nd year driver and Lernerville Speedway track champion A.J. Flick. Brandon Matus, who finished 2nd in both points standings, is just 3 points behind Sodeman and 2 behind the youngster Flick. The $3,000 to win Steel City Stampede at Lernerville Speedway is the only race left that these guys are likely to enter. Look for the results of this race as it will likely determine the top Western PA driver of the season.

Points will end and become official on October 31st. Remaining tracks with counting point races are Williams Grove, Port Royal, Susquehanna, Path Valley, Port Royal,

Central PA
1. Danny Dietrich [116]

Byron Reed currently leads the Ohio area points

2. Greg Hodnett [114]
3. Brian Montieth [80]
4. Stevie Smith [59]
5. Lucas Wolfe [48]

Ohio
1. Byron Reed [40]
2. Cole Duncan [36]
3. Cap Henry [33]
4. Craig Mintz [22]
5. Dean Jacobs [21]

Western PA
1. Jack Sodeman, Jr [22]
2. A.J. Flick [21]
3. Brandon Matus [19]
4. Carl Bowser [18]
5. Ed Lynch, Jr [15]

Western PA hotshoe Jack Sodeman, Jr holds a 1 pt. lead
over youngster A.J. Flick in the Western PA points

All Star Circuit of Champions
1. Dale Blaney [92]
2. Sheldon Haudenschild [51]
3. Cody Darrah [49]
4. Greg Wilson [37]
5. Ryan Smith [37]

World of Outlaws
1. Donny Schatz [32]
2. Shane Stewart [18]
3. Joey Saldana [11]
4. Daryn Pittman [8]
    Paul McMahan [8]

Independent
1. Rico Abreu [12]
2. Sammy Swindell [9]
3. Steve Kinser [8]
4. Dave Blaney [6]
    Tanner Thorson [6]