Steve Gioia Jr. and Freddie Graves each roared to their second feature victories of the season at Oswego Speedway last Saturday night in a night that produced exciting racing from start to finish. Graves took the victory in the 25 lap Invitational race driving the Bill Hite, four-wheel drive machine, while Gioia later in the evening recorded victory in the regular 45 lap feature go driving his sleek roadster NO.9

The first race of the night was the Invitational 25 lap per with Syracusan veteran Nolan Swift moving extremely well in the early going. With all the top 18 point men in the special race, Swift knew he had to move and that he did to a half straightaway lead. Everything was going real well until Bob Stelter blew the engine in the Ron Graves car 7 bringing out the red flag. Swift developed engine problems on the restart and was forced to slow his pace ever so slightly allowing his competitors to challenge for the lead.

Fred Graves, who has only driven the Bill Hite rear engine machine about three times this season, came through this tough field like gang busters and took over the lead with about five laps left. He easily stroked his car 39 to the win and pocketed $500 for his efforts in the 25 lap run. Turning in a sparkling performance for second spot was Don Maclaren in the Nelson Powell car 1. Big Don, who was just recently released from the hospital with serious burns inflicted-in an earlier accident at Oswego, looked mighty impressive for his first time back. Jim Shampine steadily worked his way to third place with his 8 ball, with fourth going to early leader Nolan Swift. Fifth was taken by Kemp Dates and his Red Creek Rocket 28.

The balance of the field included: Ed Bellinger 02, Jim Winks 22, Jim Cheney 88, John Spencer 07, Jim Thompson 18, Warren Coniam 04, John logan 35, Gary Reichert 78, Norm Mackereth 5, Ron Wallace 76, Steve Gioia 9, Bob Stelter 7 and Gary Allbritain 38.

In the regular 45 lap main, action was unlimited from green to checkered, with Mike Rizzo and Den Wheeler charging off with the early lead. On came Steve Gioia in the #9 and Norm Mackereth in the 5 and they began to set the pace. lap after lap, Gioia would keep his number 9 turning some mighty quick laps (18.3 and 18.4) but Stormin Norman was right there and Steve was unable to gain a sizeable lead. Once again, Fred Graves in the 39 began working his way to the front and took over third spot mid-way through the event. He closed in on Gioia and Mackereth but really couldn't muster enough to challenge but he still stayed right there keeping them on their toes.

Back in the pack, a tremendous battle was waging between Jim Gray, Kemp Dates, Ron WalIace, Jim Shampine, John Spencer, Gary Reichert, Ed Bellinger and a host of other top runners. Wallace came through with all the moves to gain fourth position while the others battled away. Although Ronnie was running in open track, he was unable to close in on the rapid three leaders. Gioia in the meantime continued to keep control of the lead but Mackereth still had not given up the battle. As they got the white flag with one lap to go Mackereth moved right in - only inches from Gioia's back bumper. As they rounded the fourth turn and down the front stretch, Gioia stayed in his groove but Mackereth made a sleek inside move and almost took the win. When they crossed the finish line, Steve had about a two foot advantage over Mackereth.

It was Steve Gioia's second feature victory in as many weeks and he was given a rousing reception by the enthusiastic fans immediatley following his win. Gioia picked up a cool $1,500 for his smooth efforts.

The total feature picture was as follows: Steve Gioia 9, Norm Mackereth 5, Fred Graves 39, Ron Wallace 76, Kemp Dates 28, Jim Gray 00, Jim Shampine 8, John Spencer 07, Gary Reichert 78, Ed Bellinger 02, Baldy Baker 93, John logan 35, Jim Thompson 18, Jim Cheney 88, Rex Kenney 15, Tom Leeson 97, Warren Coniam 04, Don Maclaren 1, Den Wheeler 96, Ray Sand 36, Mike Rizzo 34, George Boss 6, Chuck Ciprich 21 and Gary Allbritain 38.

Heats were won by Bellinger, Gioia and Ciprich with semis going to Wheeler and Gioia. The consi went to Baldy Baker in the 93.