Rappin on Racin September 23, 2024.

I want to thank all the Reporters, Howie Balis and Tyler Harris, Marketing Partners #1 Cochran Automotive, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, RPS Financial Solutions, and Zarin Truck and Automotive, Photographers Howie Balis and Steve Skarupa.

After some early morning rain, the skies cleared and turned into a beautiful day at Sharon Speedway for the rescheduled 16th annual "Lou Blaney Memorial" on Saturday night.  The event got underway on August 17 until rain overspread the area after Sprint Car qualifying. 

On that night, Ryan Blaney was on hand to remember his grandfather, raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association and celebrate his 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. 

While Ryan was unable to return on Saturday, the fans packed the grandstands for the largest crowd of the season outside of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car event. Sixty-nine race cars were on hand for the show.  

There's no better way to go out in sports than doing it on top and on Saturday night Dave Blaney decided the time was right. The National Sprint Car Hall of Famer.

Won "Lou Blaney Memorial" for the third time. In the 16-year history, Blaney is the only Sprint Car driver to win the event more than once and Saturday night's sendoff in memory of his father was worth $12,000 for the 95-time World of Outlaws winner and 1995 champion, who began his career in 1981. Blaney also won the event in 2014 and became the first repeat winner in 2018.  

"This is big," expressed the emotional 61-year-old Hartford, Ohio native. "This is a race Dale, and I try to win every year. To beat that guy Danny Dietrich in my last race...because I'm officially done right now- there's no better way to retire than to win this one." 

Our guests today include Pro Stock driver Bobby Whitling, Paul Kot 7-time Hummingbird Speedway Super Late Model Track Champion and Super Late Model driver Joe Petyak. 

Special thanks to Howie Balis for tonight’s interviews.

Sit back relax and enjoy the show. Thanks for listening