After two weeks of weather-related delays, the checkered flag finally waved at Jennerstown Speedway as the 2026 season roared to life on Saturday, May 9. And it was Somerset County drivers who stole the spotlight, claiming three of the night's feature wins in a thrilling Opening Night.
The night kicked off with the Stoystown Auto Wreckers Modifieds, where Doug Glessner of Boswell put on a masterclass from the pole position. Leading all 20 laps, Glessner pulled away from Anthony Aiello to earn the first victory of the season. The win carried extra weight as Glessner honored his father, who passed away during the offseason. Adding to the family story, his brother Dale charged through the nine-car field to finish third. The race wasn't without drama—heat race winner Jeff Giles found himself in the wall after a Lap 1 crash.
In the Integrity Coatings Chargers feature, it was Carley Awtey of Jenners who delivered the night's most exciting finish. Pole-sitter Brian Ready controlled the first 18 laps, building a comfortable lead. But Awtey, a four-time winner last season, had other plans. After making an early pass to take second from Donald Lybarger Jr., she methodically closed the gap. With just two laps to go, she made her move on the outside, pulling ahead for the win. Defending champion Ken Burkholder rounded out the podium in third.
The Somerset Trust Fast 4s 15-lap feature boiled down to a two-car showdown. Seth Nedrow of Stahlstown started on the front row and had to fend off a relentless challenge from defending division and national champion Cameron Ruggles of Richmond, Virginia. Despite Ruggles' best efforts, Nedrow held firm, securing his first win of the season after a four-win campaign in 2025. Noah Hirko finished a distant third.
Kyle Burkholder cruised to victory in the One Stop Auto Sales Pro Stock 20-lap feature, but the race was interrupted by a chilling moment. Three laps in, veteran Chris Brink's throttle stuck open, sending his car sailing over the wall just ahead of the final turn. Remarkably, Brink was checked on the scene and walked away without serious injuries, even giving an interview after the incident. Burkholder led the rest of the way, besting Josh Dunmyer and defending champion Brent Bi.
With Opening Night in the books, Jennerstown Speedway has set the stage for what promises to be an action-packed 2026 season. Whether you're a driver or a fan, gear up for more thrilling racing ahead.