by Keith Gisser, director of publicity, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The Cal-Expo-Northfield Park Pro-Am Drivers Series hit halftime with the home team building on the lead it earned Friday. Saturday, the wins were split but the Northfield squad outscored the left coast visitors 47-37 to build an overall 101-67 lead as the series heads to Cal-Expo on July 12 and 13.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

The participants in the competition, from left to right, are: Alan Kirschenbaum, Richard Kuebler, Rocky Stidham, David Siegel, Bob Troyer, Brett Miller, Gregg Keidel and Aaron Merriman.

Local amateur Bob Troyer, who picked up a place and a show effort Friday, visited the winner’s circle in the first race of the series on Saturday, piloting BT Lurch to a first-over win as early leader Sky Strikes and Aaron Merriman tired. Cal invader Rick Kuebler, with over 4,000 career wins, also went by the pacesetter with That Noble Magic to keep things close.

Transplanted Buckeye Rocky Stidham picked up the first win for the visitors when he steered trotter Lukenbak to his first win of the season. Lukenbak returned $57.20 to his supporters, as the visitors split the points in this race 21-21.

The featured $7,500 Open Pace went to newcomer White Arrow N. The Virgil Morgan, Jr.-trainee used the inside post draw to go gate-to-wire and score in 1:53 flat for driver Brett Miller and Pennsylvania owner Joseph Muscara. Lite Me Up was second and Western Empire took home the show money.