LEHIGTON, Pa. — One of the most prolific drivers to ever turn a lap at Mahoning Valley Speedway made a triumphant return to victory lane as 58-year old Rod Snyder Jr. drove to his first Modified win in 15 years.
Snyder – a five time track champion (1995-99) – had been on hiatus since 2007 but made a comeback two years ago with JD Motorsports, only running a partial schedule.
Snyder was the quickest car during heat races, giving the early indication of just how the night would go.
The feature began with Brian DeFebo leading early on while holding off Austin Kochenash and Zane Zeiner. While battling closely, DeFebo and Zeiner got into each other on lap 12 and handed the lead over to Lou Strohl with Kochenash, Snyder and Kyle Strohl in tow.
It was after that restart when Snyder Jr. went into his all too familiar high line style. He ran a few side-by-side laps before picking off Kochenash, and then still riding the top lane, did the same to Lou Strohl.
On lap 22, Snyder Jr. was in the lead of a feature for the first time in 15 years.
Snyder Jr. would go on to win by two car lengths over Lou Strohl.
“We lost so many close family and friends over the past two years and it felt as though someone else was driving this car tonight and it wasn’t me,” said Snyder Jr. “The guys on this team do an awesome job and our performances may not have shown that but I assure you it’s there and it’s going to continue to show.
“All those guys out there tonight are really good, Brian (DeFebo), Zane (Zeiner), Austin (Kochenash) all raced hard but things unfortunately happened in front of us and honestly I feel we had the best car tonight. The track was great and the car was great.”
In the Street Stocks, reigning champion T.J. Gursky picked up right where he left off, in victory lane. Gursky closed out 2021 with a win and started this season the same way. Brandon Christman and Todd Ahner rounded out the top three.
In the Hobby Stock feature, Travis Solomon earned a hard fought victory over Justin Merkel.
Randy Schaffer won the Pro 4 class for his first career victory over Tyler Stangle.
The finish:
Modified (35 laps): 1. Rod Snyder Jr., 2. Kyle Strohl, 3. Austin Kochenash, 4. Lou Strohl, 5. Cody Kohler, 6. Josh Scherer, 7. Brian DeFebo, 8. Jesse Strohl, 9. Nick Baer, 10. Carl Altemose, 11. Gene Bowers, 12. Jacob Kerstetter, 13. Terry Markovic, 14. Geary Rinehimer Jr., 15. Zane Zeiner, 16. Wes Gilbert, 17. Gunnar Zeiner