We return to Clearfield, PA for UMI’s 2nd annual “Muscle on the Mountain.” The event is held at UMI Motorsports Park, attracting the top muscle cars and racers from across the country. The competition featured a $15,000 purse on a challenging autocross course with some new pavement in some corners. There was even a guest announcer, Tim Strange.

The standout performers on the first day in the Super Late Muscle Class included Cody Hunt, Ryan Mathews, Eric Peachey in his ’08 Viper, and Chris Wheatcraft; Sam Strano in Late Model Class; Brian Coney in Early Muscle Class; Brian Johns in Mid Muscle and Don Chaffin in the Truck Class.

The second day had beautiful weather making the course a bit faster, which always makes for a fun time. Chris Mulberry led the Super Early Muscle Class all weekend. Corey Williams and Mike Casino pushed the Mid Muscle Class to the edge of grip to claim first and second place in that class.

Multi-time SCCA national champion, Doug Rowse also moved up to seventh place in the Late Muscle Class. Cody Hunt held the top spot in the Super Late Class, while Donald Chaffin continued to lead the Muscle Truck Class. Matthew Braun won the Precision Strike Award brought by Operational Speed Supply. This award was for the cleanest fast runs.

Just like King of the Mountain, this event featured food, games, and live music each day. The Emily Whitehead Foundation raised $8,600 to support local father Nate Wooster in his battle with brain cancer.

The competition concluded with the Forgeline shootout, where the top 32 cars competed in a high-pressure, knockout-style race, crowning champions in each class and granting them a share of the $15,000 prize. Based on class, there were four drivers from Super Early, 8 from Early, 6 from Mid, four from Late, 6 from Super Late, and four from Truck.

In each class the field was quickly narrowed down to determine the winner. The first-place winner received a $1,500 prize, the second-place winner earned $750, and the third-place winner received $250. Additionally, a special prize awaited the first-place driver in each class, with a ticket to the King of the Mountain race. Eric Peachey finish second in his class sporting a 2008 Dodge Viper.

Other Mopars that attended are some very talented and familiar faces: Raymond Ellsworth in his ’08 viper, Steve Rodgers and his stunning ’68 Dodge Charger, and our own David Kruk in his ’70 Super Bee.

<

►

>