Pig Roast Motor

Tim Zyla wins career first at Skyview Drags' Northern Summer Nationals

TIOGA CENTER, NY - Tim Zyla couldn't have picked a better day to win his career first IHRA Summit Series point race, as he drove the Manley Houghtalen owned and wrenched 1970 Camaro 434 to a big win July 1 at Skyview drags.

The race opened a two-day Northern Summer Nationals holiday event, and Zyla defeated a potent 44 car Pro field after posting a semi-final and a final round appearance in his previous two races. To make the win all more satisfying, the 21-year-old Sayre driver told his father, Greg, he would win his first race ever as a birthday present as his father was celebrating his 62nd birthday July 1.

And Tim Zyla delivered…

"I was actually getting a little emotional when I got back to the pits and my dad was the first one to the car and we gave each other a big hug. But I was only emotional for 5/10's of a second," Zyla joked. "But seriously, it was really important that my dad was there for my first win, as he's been behind me from the start and then to deliver on his birthday, it was really special. I also want to thank Manley (Houghtalen) for believing in me, too."

Zyla defeated longtime New York veteran racer Jim Erecitano in the final round as both drivers broke out. Zyla broke out the least and ran a 6.29 on a 6.31 at 106 mph for the win on the eighth-mile dragway. To top off the weekend, Zyla then drove to a semi-final finish in Saturday's event, propelling him to the points lead in the Pro division.

Houghtalen, also from Sayre, was extremely pleased with the win, which was the first for his car. Houghtalen selected Zyla to drive his car after health problems prevented him from competing as a full-time driver any longer. As a driver, Houghtalen visited victory lane at Skyview in his 1950 Chevy Coupe powered by a 572 inch big-block Chevy.

"A win is a win is a win," said Houghtalen. I don't care whether I'm driving or I have a young driver behind the wheel. When you see your car in victory lane, and to win a race like this, it's just as good when you are the car owner."

Zyla and team pocketed $1,000 for their efforts. Zyla also thanked Lucas Oil, Hoosier Tires, Bosch and G-Force safety equipment for its support. He is a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Shamokin and attended Keystone College in Towanda, majoring in Journalism. He currently works in the plate room at the Towanda Printing Company in Monroeton.

Complete results of the two-day event will appear in later edition.

Need to find a hog roasting motor for my homemade hog roaster?

Ah, man, hand-cranking is half the fun!!!

A good motor to use would be an electric motor (because you don’t want any gas fumes near the meat). A tiny 1 horsepower motor would do the trick, and of course anything over that would work, as well. If you’re into salvaging, you could take one from a golf cart or an electric lawnmower motor. (you could probably just go out and buy the lawnmower motor, actually)

Good luck, and good eating!

Backyard Grilling, For Your Grill, Smoker, Turkey Fryer and More

The Maine Summers Cookbook, Recipes for Delicious, Sun-Filled Days

Municipal journal

Forever!

Homefront