APRIL 22, 2016, ORCHARD TRAIL OPENING, BRIDGE DEDICATION AND “POOR FARM WALK”

On April 22, 2016, several events will be held at the McKean County Poor Farm Property along Route 6 in Smethport. 

The McKean County Good Growing Gardens Program (3G) will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony behind the Domestic Relations Building at 10:00 AM for the opening of the Orchard Trail System.  The Orchard Trial System is approximately 1 ½ miles long and it connects to the Shawmut Trail System, which provides an addition approximately a mile and a half of trails and leads to the Hamlin Lake.  The 3G Program is overseen by the Court and Adult Probation.  It provides an opportunity for defendants in the criminal justice system to complete community service.  A crew of numerous participants has worked very hard for over 2 years to complete this trail.  The new trail provides an opportunity for the public to walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Old County Poor Farm property including abundant wildlife along Marvin Creek.   

Walkers have viewed deer, bear, pheasants, songbirds, numerous waterfowl species, osprey, recently an eagle and many more species of birds.  The trail system was proposed by the court and 3G / Adult Probation, but could not have been completed without the approval, cooperation and support of the McKean County Commissioners, the McKean County Maintenance Department and the McKean County Conservation Department.   President Judge John H. Pavlock, Commissioner Clifford Lane, Chief Adult Probation Officer Gary Seefeldt and 3G Coordinator Mike Barnard will be making brief comments at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A Bridge Dedication Ceremony will be held at 10:30 AM at the Marvin Creek Bridge that the Orchard Trail leads to.  Individuals at the trail ribbon ceremony can, if they choose, walk the trail to the Bridge.  For those that chose not to walk the trial, there is limited handicap parking beside the bridge and additional parking in the 911 and CYS parking lot areas (roughly 200 yard walk to the bridge from the parking lot).  The Bridge is behind the 3G Barn on Route 6 and behind McKean 911 and CYS Buildings.

Attached below is an outline of the history of the Marvin Creek Bridge on the County’s Poor Farm Property as well as an outline of the renovation work that was undertaken in 2015 in order to save it.  A plaque will be unveiled at the ceremony on April 22nd.  The individual(s) whom will be honored by the dedication of the bridge have been chosen, but will not be revealed until the bridge dedication ceremony.  Commissioner Clifford Lane, Judge John Pavlock and Mike Barnard (3G Coordinator) will make brief statements at the time of the ceremony.  If there is inclement weather the Trail Opening Ceremony and Bridge Dedication will be re-scheduled to April 29, 2016, at 11:30 AM. (As of time of this press release, Historical Society has indicated “Rain or shine, their event described below will proceed”).  

Any additional questions regarding the Trail Opening and the Bridge Dedication can be forwarded to Mike Barnard, 3G Coordinator, at  (814) 598-1126 OR mtbarnard@mckeancountypa.org.  Mike will make the call prior to 9:30 AM on the 22^nd regarding any change due to weather. 

 
Following the Bridge Dedication Ceremony and at 11:00 AM, the McKean County Historical Society, in cooperation with the Potato Creek Trail Association,  will hold a “Walk to the Poor Farm Cemetery” Event at the Poor Farm Cemetery on the hill across from the Poor Farm Complex. There is a trail leading from the Marvin Creek Bridge to the cemetery.  Program participants will assume the role of some of the County Poor Farm residents who were laid to rest at the cemetery. This will be an interactive program.  Further details regarding the “Walk to the Poor Farm” program can be obtained by contacting the McKean County Historical 
Society, (814) 887-5412 (Website: MCHSmuseum.org).  

Bridge Renovation Project

In the late half of the 19^th Century a shift was underway regarding bridge construction in the United States.  Timber bridges were giving way to the use of Iron truss bridges.  With its growing economy and many streams and rivers, Pennsylvania was one of several States at the forefront of this development.  Numerous patents were issued for bridge designs and hundreds of bridge manufacturers sprung up across the nation – many in Pennsylvania.

There were 17 different types of metal truss bridges.  This Bridge is an example of a “Warren Truss Bridge” (patent was issued to James Warren and Willoughby Monzani in 1848). The Warren truss employs only diagonal members that were set in opposite directions, forming a series of diagonals. The Warren truss was widely used in Pennsylvania and other Eastern States. 

Based on its style and the stone utilized in the abutments that support the bridge, it is assumed that this bridge was placed at approximately the same time that the “McKean County Poor Farm” was built (dedication for the Poor Farm complex was held Tuesday, July 9, 1895 at 2:00 p.m.).  This bridge was used to gain entrance to the Shawmut Grade Railroad facilities and to the County owned fields that were operated by the Poor Farm.

In 2014 this Bridge was in a substantial and unsafe state of disrepair.  A portion of one of the abutment walls had given way and several of the large cut stone had fallen into Marvin Creek.  The steel on the bridge, and in particular the vertical supports for the decking, were heavily corroded an unstable.  An initial estimate to repair the bridge was over $150,000.00 and, therefore, it was likely that the bridge would be removed, sold for scrap and not replaced.  At that point the Good Growing Garden’s Program (3G), administered through the court and McKean County Adult Probation, offered to work to find a way to keep the bridge open at a reasonable cost. 

Due to engineer concerns it was regrettably determined that it could not be utilized for vehicular traffic.  However, Mike “Buck” Barnard, the Administrator of the 3G Program, found a way to refurbish the bridge at a cost of less than $20,000.  Beams from a bridge that was being dismantled were purchased at scrap metal prices and used to span the river (the green beams on bridge).  Local contractors agreed to work with the program at volunteer or reduced rates to rebuild the abutment walls and install massive footers on each side of the bridge for the new beams to sit on and to keep the weight of the structure off of the old abutment walls. 

The old bridge, through the use of heavy threaded steel rods, was bolted to the new beams to keep the old bridge in place but not rely on it for any structural support.  New 2x4 decking was installed, the access areas brought up to grade and the entire area landscaped.  The bridge is now here to be enjoyed by County residents and visitors for, hopefully, for the next 100+ years. Visitors will continue to be able to walk over Marvin Creek on this structure and see what was - the old structure of the bridge - and what it is now- a beautiful walking bridge that the County can be proud of!

Picture above shows poor condition of old steel beams of original bridge.  During renovation the old section of the bridge was attached to new sound beams so that the appearance of the old structure remains but no longer provides structural or weight bearing support. 

Bridge in late summer 2015.  New wooden decking sits on added beams for substantial support.  Bridge abutments on each side of Marvin Creek rebuilt and reinforced.  Railings added for safety and appearance.  Benches built by 3G participants added.  Bridge is ready for first wedding ceremony that was held there in August of 2015. 

C&N ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2016 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Wellsboro, PA – Citizens & Northern Corporation (C&N) announced its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. Net income per diluted share was $0.29 in the first quarter 2016, as compared to $0.33 per share in the fourth quarter 2015 and $0.31 per share in the first quarter 2015. The return on average assets for the first quarter 2016 was 1.18%, and the return on average equity was 7.60%. Highlights related to C&N’s earnings results for the comparative periods are presented as follows: 

First Quarter 2016 as Compared to Fourth Quarter 2015 • Net interest income totaled $10,033,000 in the first quarter 2016, up from $9,949,000 in the fourth quarter 2015. The net interest margin improved to 3.81% in the first quarter 2016 as compared to 3.69% in the fourth quarter 2015, as the average rate paid on borrowed funds dropped to 2.30% from 3.16%. The lower rate on borrowed funds resulted from a $24 million prepayment of a repurchase agreement in the fourth quarter 2015 with an interest rate of 4.265%, and an increase in short-term borrowings at lower rates than had been incurred on the repurchase agreement. • 

The provision for loan losses was $368,000 in the first quarter 2016, up from $319,000 in the fourth quarter 2015. The higher provision for loan losses in the most recent quarter resulted from an increase in the collectively determined portion of the allowance for loan losses, including the effect of an increase in the average net charge-off percentage used to calculate the allowance due to a partial charge-off of $595,000 on one commercial loan in the first quarter 2016. 

• Noninterest revenue totaled $3,690,000 in the first quarter 2016, down $309,000 (7.7%) from the fourth quarter amount 2015 of $3,999,000. Service charges on deposit accounts were $97,000 (7.9%) lower in the most recent quarter as compared to the fourth quarter 2015, consistent with seasonal trends in most recent years. Other operating income was $102,000 lower in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the fourth quarter 2015, reflecting fourth quarter 2015 income from a life insurance arrangement of $212,000, with no comparative amount received in the first quarter 2016, partially offset by an increase of $134,000 in income from the redemption of tax credits. 

• In the first quarter 2016, realized gains from securities totaled $383,000, including gains from sales of bank stocks of $249,000. In the fourth quarter 2015, C&N had realized gains from securities of $1,776,000 and recognized a loss of $1,663,000 from prepayment of the repurchase agreement (borrowing) described above. In 2015, C&N prepaid the repurchase agreement in two installments, including a second quarter prepayment of $10 million and a fourth quarter prepayment of $24 million. There were no prepayments of borrowings in the first quarter 2016. 

• Noninterest expenses, excluding loss on prepayment of borrowings, totaled $9,072,000 in the first quarter 2016, up $656,000 (7.8%) from $8,416,000 in the fourth quarter 2015. Pensions and other employee benefits expense increased $353,000 in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the fourth quarter 2015, reflecting the timing of payroll taxes and other payroll-related expenses that are typically highest in the 2 first quarter of each year. Professional fees expense increased $114,000 in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the fourth quarter 2015, including increases in the areas of employee sales and service training, information technology, marketing and outsourced commercial loan credit review. Other operating expense increased $174,000, including an increase in charitable donations of $150,000. A substantial portion of the first quarter 2016 donations resulted in tax credits to be applied against 2016 state taxes. 

First Quarter 2016 as Compared to First Quarter 2015 • Net interest income was up $83,000 (0.8%) in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the first quarter 2015. The first quarter 2016 net interest margin improved by 0.07% over the first quarter 2015 due to a lower cost of borrowed funds, reflecting the prepayment of a repurchase agreement as described above, and a more favorable mix of earning assets. Average total loans outstanding increased $77.2 million (12.4%) in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the first quarter 2015, while average total available-for-sale securities fell $94.5 million. The average balance of earning assets fell $23.6 million, reflecting a reduction in funding available for investment, as average total deposits decreased $21.4 million (2.2%). 

• The first quarter 2016 provision for loan losses of $368,000 was $365,000 higher than the comparative first quarter 2015 amount of $3,000. As noted above, the provision in the most recent quarter included the impact of a recent increase in net charge-off experience related to a commercial loan. In comparison, the lower first quarter 2015 provision included the net effect of a decrease in qualitative factor percentages used in determining the collectively evaluated portion of the allowance for loan losses, lower loan balances and a reduction in the specific allowance on impaired loans. 

• Noninterest revenue of $3,690,000 in the first quarter 2016 was higher by $134,000 (3.8%) than the first quarter 2015 amount. Service charges on deposit accounts were $116,000 (11.4%) higher in the first quarter 2016 than in the first quarter 2015, reflecting changes made in the fee structure of certain checking products effective in April 2015. 

• Realized gains from securities of $383,000 in the first quarter 2016 exceeded the first quarter 2015 amount by $309,000. • Noninterest expenses, excluding loss on prepayment of borrowings, of $9,072,000 in the first quarter 2016 exceeded the first quarter 2015 amount by $539,000 (6.3%). Salaries and wages expense increased $400,000 (11.5%), reflecting an increase in number of employees and the effects of a significant portion of 2016 employee annual performance evaluations and merit increases occurring in the first quarter. The average number of full-time equivalent employees was 288 in the first quarter 2016, up from 278 in the first quarter 2015, including new positions established for lending, lending support, information technology, training and marketing functions. 

Professional fees expense increased $133,000 in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015 amount, including increases related to employee sales and service training, information technology, marketing and outsourced commercial loan credit review. Other Information: Changes in other unaudited financial information are as follows: 

• Total assets amounted to $1,216,544,000 at March 31, 2016, as compared to $1,223,417,000 at December 31, 2015 and $1,251,958,000 at March 31, 2015. • Net loans outstanding (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) were $693,944,000 at March 31, 2016, as compared to $696,991,000 at December 31, 2015 and up 11.7% from $621,211,000 at March 31, 2015. In comparing outstanding balances at March 31, 2016 and 2015, total residential mortgage loans increased $21.2 million, or 5.8%, and total commercial loans increased $51.6 million, or 20.5%. The major components of the growth in commercial loans outstanding were an increase in loan participations with other financial entities of $24.4 million and an increase in loans to political subdivisions (municipal loans) of $18.9 million. 3 

• The outstanding balance of residential mortgages originated by C&N and sold to third parties, with servicing retained, totaled $153,778,000 at March 31, 2016 as compared to $152,448,000 at December 31, 2015 and $151,272,000 at March 31, 2015. • Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of assets was 1.36% at March 31, 2016 as compared to 1.31% at December 31, 2015 and 1.33% at March 31, 2015. Although the total amount of nonperforming assets did not change significantly in the first quarter 2016, the amount of loans past due 30-89 days and accruing interest increased $4.3 million, to $11.4 million at March 31, 2016. 

The increase in the balance in the 30-89 days delinquent category included one commercial loan with an outstanding balance of $2.7 million that was 35 days past due (and had been current prior to the first quarter 2016), and an increase of $807,000 in 1-4 family residential mortgage loans. • Deposits and repo sweep accounts totaled $962,989,000 at March 31, 2016, up from $940,530,000 at December 31, 2015 but down from $982,474,000 at March 31, 2015. The reduction in total deposits and repo sweeps at March 31, 2016 as compared to March 31, 2015 includes a reduction of $15.0 million in time deposits (mainly certificates of deposit and IRAs) and a $6.9 million reduction in noninterest-bearing demand (checking) deposits. 

At December 31, 2015, municipal deposits were down significantly from previous levels as a result of the Pennsylvania state budget impasse and related delays in funding municipal entities. In early 2016, the current Pennsylvania fiscal budget situation was resolved, and C&N’s deposit levels from these entities increased. 

• Total shareholders’ equity was $188,310,000 at March 31, 2016 as compared to $187,487,000 at December 31, 2015 and $189,103,000 at March 31, 2015. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets was 14.64% at March 31, 2016, up from 14.28% a year earlier. In July 2014, C&N announced a common stock repurchase plan for the repurchase of up to 622,500 shares, or 5% of the total shares outstanding on July 16, 2014. In the first quarter 2016, 154,350 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $3,070,000, at an average price of $19.89 per share. Cumulatively through March 31, 2016, 589,550 shares had been repurchased. 

In April 2016, C&N repurchased the remainder of the shares authorized under the program. In total, 622,500 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $12,140,000, at an average price of $19.50 per share. 

• Assets under management by C&N’s Trust and Financial Management Group amounted to $826,470,000 at March 31, 2016, up from $814,788,000 at December 31, 2015, and down 0.7% from $832,550,000 a year earlier, reflecting the effect of volatility in overall valuations of U.S. stocks. Citizens & Northern Corporation is the parent company of Citizens & Northern Bank, a local, independent community bank providing complete financial, investment and insurance services through 26 full service offices throughout Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Potter, Cameron and McKean counties in Pennsylvania and in Canisteo and South Hornell, NY. C&N can be found on the worldwide web at www.cnbankpa.com. 

The Company’s stock is listed on NASDAQ Capital Market Securities under the symbol CZNC. Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. 

Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the following: changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Government, particularly related to changes in interest rates; changes in general economic conditions; legislative or regulatory changes; downturn in demand for loan, deposit and other financial services in the Corporation’s market area; increased competition from other banks and non-bank providers of financial services; technological changes and increased technology-related costs; changes in management’s assessment of realization of securities and other assets; and changes in accounting principles, or the application of generally accepted accounting principles. Citizens & Northern disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events

2016 Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series season begins to roll

(Pulaski, PA)...As the 2016 Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance season begins to roll with three completed Late Model events already in the books at Potomac and Winchester Speedways, the Series is pleased to announce that their entire group of both national and regional long standing corporate marketing partners will return for yet another season with the Series, with the majority participating in all four RUSH divisions. All told, over $110,000 in actual product and another $115,000 in Championship program cash, for a grand total of over $225,000 of value will be distributed to RUSH racers across all divisions! 

Always at the forefront of RUSH's efforts is branding sponsor Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC/Pace Performance of Boardman, Ohio. The Sweeney name continues to be synonymous with RUSH, but also with the continued development of crate engine racing not only affiliated with RUSH, but throughout the country. The recent addition of Don Blackshear as Pace's Director of Circle Track Development, Sweeney/Pace has begun to be a major player in DIRTcar 602 Sprint Cars and 525 crate Sprint Cars being incorporated in Knoxville, Iowa. In March, Sweeney was recognized as the #1 Buick dealership in Ohio and top 20 in the United States.

"This year marks the sixth that Sweeney has been involved with us and their alignment with RUSH continues to allow us to award the majority of the $115,000 plus championship point funds that we award to our racers each year. Their recent contribution of $6,000 in Pace Performance Bucks was a major additional to our new weekly-sanctioned speedway 'Track Pack' program that was designed to influx additional cash and contingencies directly to member drivers at our individual sanctioned tracks. There is no question that Sweeney has emerged as not only the leading Chevrolet Buick GM dealership, but perhaps all auto dealership in the region, in their support of auto racing and I urge racing's loyal fans to remember them for any of the automobile needs."

Hoosier Tire will once again be the mandated spec tire for the Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and new Pro Mods. The Hoosier tire continues to provide RUSH racers with a superb product that has in turn provided extremely competitive racing throughout the entire region.

Bilstein is once again the "Official Shock" of RUSH. For the third straight year, the $135 sealed, spec shock will be mandated on the Sportsman Modifieds, and now on the new Pro Mods. And while not mandatory, RUSH continues to promote the usage of Bilsteins in the Late Models. The "Bilstein Bandits" program will be in its second year in the Late Models offering a $13,150 cash point fund plus $850 in contingencies for member racers that compete exclusively on the Bilstein sealed spec shock. 

Sunoco Race Fuels, with its distributors Insinger Performance and Bazell Race Fuels, continue to be a strong marketing partner as the "Official Fuel" of RUSH. They developed the large network of Sunoco fuel dealers throughout the region to ensure easy accessibility for the racers of the required fuels and will be instrumental is assisting the Series with fuel testing and teching.  

Late Model competitors have the option of the Sunoco 110 or RUSH 91 pump gas, while Sportsman Modified and Pro Mod racers are mandated to utilize the very affordable RUSH 91 pump gas. RUSH Pro Stock racers are also encouraged to use the products. Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway is offering incentives for Late Model, Sportsman Modified, and Stock racers purchasing the product at their speedway.

Bicknell Racing Products will present the Weekly, Touring, and Futures Cup programs for the second straight year in the Sportsman Modifieds. Greg Martin captured the $3,000 Weekly Series title utilizing a Bicknell car for the second straight year. Larry Kugel and Kole Holden will go down in the history books as the inaugural Bicknell Touring and Futures Cup champions. RUSH has a great relationship with Bicknell owners Pete Bicknell, Randy Williamson, and Bobby Slack, and in fact have a Late Model Touring event for the second straight year at Bicknell and Williamson's owned Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario.

     

MSD Performance will once again be known as the "Official Ignition" of RUSH. For the second straight year, MSD will present all of the Series' Manufacturers Nights as well as providing product for giveaways. The MSD 8727CT RPM (rev) limiting box is mandated in RUSH Sportsman Modified competition in 2016. MSD was recently purchased by Holley Performance.

Maxima Racing Oils returns as the "Official Oil" of RUSH. At each Tour event for the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds, RUSH Officials will choose the "Maxima Performance" Award for a driver that exhibits a performance worthy of such.  The winner will receive a free case of either Maxima Semi-Syn High Performance Racing Oil or Maxima Performance Racing Oil of their choice.  In addition, the winner will receive one can of Speed Wax, one 16-oz bottle of Maxima Cool-Aide concentrate, one 32-oz quart of Maxima PSF power steering fluid, and a Maxima t-shirt.  The value of this prize package is $170!

One of the Northeast's longest running crate racing Major Contingency sponsors is K&N. The Riverside, California based company will again offer over $10,000 in prizes to racers and fans during 2016. K&N will again present the "Cold Air Induction" Dash held at every Late Model and Sportsman Modified Touring Series event. Points will again be kept to determine the K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash Championship in both divisions. Periodically throughout the season, a cold induction system will be given away valued at up to $500. Also, a lucky fan will receive a free air filter at each Touring Series event. 

For the second straight year, Sherwood Racing Wheels has been named the "Official Racing Wheel" of the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds. At each of the eight Bicknell Racing Products Tour events, RUSH Series Officials will determine the Sherwood Racing Wheels "Man of Steel" award winner as one that bounced back from an earlier mishap to finish the event strongly. The selected driver will receive a certificate for a free Sherwood Racing Wheel. An additional six wheels will be given away on the third annual Manufacturers Night presented by to be held this year at Sharon Speedway on Saturday, June 25. They will also be contributing four 8" wheels to the inaugural Pro Mod "Mfg, Night" that will be held at Stateline Speedway on July 30.

In recent years, TBM Brakes has become synonymous with the "Tough Brake of the Night" award at each and every Sweeney Late Model Tour event and Bicknell Sportsman Modified Tour event by providing product and certificates, and has provided one of the largest valued prizes annually with its brake calipers at the popular "Manufacturers Nights" for each division. Their annual contribution to the Series is over $6,000 in product and that figure will again increase with their product contribution to the new RUSH Pro Mod "Mfg. Night". 

FK Rod Ends has become one of the Series' longest running Major Contingency Sponsors. As in years past, FK will again provide four sets of rod ends valued at $2,000 for Late Model Manufacturers Night and two sets for the Sportsman Modified night valued at $1,000. This year, FK has provided two more sets of rod ends to be given away at RUSH's discretion. All told, FK will donate $4,000 in prizes to RUSH racers in 2016!   

"We are proud to be back again this season working with RUSH," expressed Maria of FK Rod Ends.  "RUSH's Late Model and Sportsman Modifieds are two of the best run series that we have the pleasure of working with.   Vicki (Emig) and RUSH always deliver on what they promise. From running all of their weekly races, to awesome events, and promoting their sponsors in magazine ads, etc., it has definitely helped our company grow.   RUSH always takes that extra step to keep their drivers safe and happy, and the series are run with respect to its sponsors as well. RUSH is the 'real deal!" 

For the sixth straight year, Lincoln Electric is a Major Contingency Sponsor of the RUSH Late Models. The involvement grew to the Sportsman Modifieds in 2014, and now for 2016 will giveaway three Power Mig 140C machines and utility carts, valued at $750 each! Once again, one will be given away at the Late Model and Sportsman Modified "Manufacturers Nights" presented by MSD with a third given away at the season ending "Steel City Stampede" at Lernerville Speedway, with the drawing open to all RUSH Late Model, Sportsman Modified, and GM 604/602 competitors in addition to all of the RUSH Pro Mods that competed at Stateline during the season.

RUSH is proud to announce ARbodies has renewed their involvement with the Late Models as a Major Contingency Sponsor for the fourth straight year.Not only will ARbodies carry the "Major Contingency Sponsor" title, but they have once again gone above and beyond to present the "Nosed Out" program in select Sweeney Late Model Tour events.  A total of 15 ARbodies nose kits (valued at $259.95 each) will be awarded to RUSH racers throughout the 2016 season.The first driver that fails to qualify for the feature will receive a nose kit at eight selected Tour events!    

Sarver, PA-based Precise Racing Products, which also serves as the home of Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Pittsburgh, will again present the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger Award for both the Sweeney RUSH Late Model Tour and Bicknell RUSH Sportsman Modified Tour in 2016.At all Touring Series events in both divisions, Precise will award a $100 Platinum Gift Card to the driver that advances the most positions from his original starting spot.  Precise's Chris Archer has been a very integral supporter of all RUSH's concepts and is a leading supplier of many of the products utilized by RUSH racers.

Modified racer C.J. Jones' Jones Racing Products of Ottsville, Pa. continues to be a strong supporter of crate racing and the RUSH Series. Jones will again be a Major Contingency Sponsor of the Series providing over $2,000 in product for Manufacturers Night for both the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds.  

"We have been following the racing of the RUSH Series for several years now; the opportunity to bring the technology of our crate belt drive systems to the forefront of a series that puts the racer first is exciting," said Jones.  "The alignment of Jones Racing Products and crate racing isn't a new vision for the company.  We have aligned ourselves directly with crate engine manufactures, top engine rebuilders and racers alike to manufacture a durable, lightweight drive system that is crate specific.  I personally have raced both the 604 and the 602 myself, I completely understand the need to outfit the engine with a complete drive system that will save us the most horsepower, but keep the water temperature in check and always keep the power steering operating correctly, we have what the racer needs to win."

Bobby Lake Motorsports High Gear Speed Shop returns again to present the "Shock the Clock" & "Beat the Heat" programs at all $2,000 to-win or more Late Model Tour events in 2016. On these nights, the fast qualifier receives $100 cash and all heat race winners earn $25 cash. Bobby Lake Motorsports in Hopwood, Pa. is the parts supplier to the racers and sells the mandated Hoosier Crate Racin' USA Tires as well as the new Sunoco 110 racing gas and RUSH 91 pump gas.

Alternative Power Sources and owner Sylvan Easler has provided for Manufacturers Night for the Late Models annually with the largest prize- a Yamaha Electric Start Generator and Wheel Kit valued at $2,200! In addition, Alternative Power Sources provided RUSH with a generator for use in race night operations last year.

Velocita-USA continues their important involvement with the Series. Thanks to the generosity of Brad Smith, Velocita-USA will award a custom drivers suit again at the Manufacturers Night for both the Late Model and Sportsman. These suits will include the RUSH and Velocita-USA logos and have been well appreciated by the winners. In addition, Velocita-USA provides 10 50% off certificates and one $500 off certificate for the awards banquet to be given away randomly amongst the divisions. All told, Velocita-USA provides over $7,500 in value to the Series.  

Classic Ink is the new "Official Apparel" of RUSH and will provide the opportunity for RUSH-sanctioned speedways to purchase apparel for resale, as well as have RUSH apparel available to fans and racers at numerous RUSH-sanctioned events throughout the season. Classic Ink will also develop a website apparel store for RUSH and be a contributor to the 2016 RUSH "Manufacturers Nights". RUSH racers also have the opportunity to purchase reasonably-price low quantity orders for their own apparel.

Kate Dillon of CrateInsider.com is a big proponent of crate racing, thus why she started this website to promote crate racing and products for racers. CrateInsider.com has been a supporter of RUSH's Manufacturers Nights for several years now and beginning last year started awarding a $25 gift certificate for the driver running last on the lead lap at the finish of every Tour event for the Late Models and Sportsman Modifieds.

Rocket Chassis annually provides a $500 gift certificate to a lucky recipient at Manufacturers Night. This year's event presented by MSD will take place on August 14 where a Late Model driver will go home with this great prize. Also, Rocket has stepped up to offer a prize of $2,500 off the purchase of a new Late Model chassis. More on this promotion will be posted in the future.

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, FK Rod Ends, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, Rocket Chassis, Bobby Lake Motorsports High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners: Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Bicknell Racing Products, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, MSD Ignition, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, FK Rod Ends, Sherwood Racing Wheels, Velocita-USA, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, K&N Filters, TBM Brakes, Lincoln Electric, Classic Ink USA., CrateInsider.com, and B.R.A.K.E.S.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

RUSH Pro Mods Added To Family of Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks.

SWEENEY RUSH PRO MODS READIES FOR INAUGURAL SEASON AT STATELINE SPEEDWAY;  DIVERSIFIED GROUP OF RACERS TO MAKE-UP CHARTER SEASON April 6, 2016(By Doug Kennedy) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)...In December it was announced that for the third straight year, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC  RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance would be adding a new division, the RUSH Pro Mods,  to their growing racing family, one that already consisted of Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks.
 

The RUSH Pro Mods, an E-Mod style car, will feature the GM 604 and GM 602 engine package, as do all of the other RUSH divisions, along with the mandated sealed spec $135 Bilstein shock package and the RUSH 91 pump gas type product.  The Series will offer $15,050 in Weekly Series point fund money with $3,500 going to the champion all the way down to $300 for the 20th place finisher.  There will also be a $600 "Futures Cup" program, as well as "Manufacturers Night" to be held at Stateline on Saturday, July 30.

Stateline Speedway located in Busti, New York will be the home base for the division throughout the 2016 season beginning with opening night on Saturday, April 30.  Following a couple somewhat tumultuous years, Stateline is now in the hands of new owners, Jim and Jean Scott and Brian Horner.  "It's going to be a totally different place," said well known regional Late Model and E-Mod racer, David Scott, Jim's son, of Stateline. "We made sure that the racers knew that the track was going to be there in 2016.  Now we're racing baby."

Regional Econo Mods will be permitted to compete with the RUSH Pro Mods at Stateline this season only; however, will not be able to earn RUSH points nor contingency prizes. 
  

David and his father, Jim were talking one night about how to entice kids to join an economical racing series, when they came up with the idea of a crate engine E-Mod type car.  With Stateline already being a RUSH-sanctioned speedway they contacted Vicki Emig.  After a December meeting in which the details were discussed, the two parties came to an agreement to begin developing the class under the RUSH sanction.

"RUSH is the division's sanctioning body and Stateline is the racetrack," said Dave.  "Realistically, we have discussed for quite a while that E-Mods should have the crate motor.  Pricewise, motors that require more horsepower are out of hand."
 

Even though Stateline is the only track that will be running the RUSH Pro Mods on a weekly basis this season, there are hopes that other tracks will run the series as well in the future.  A similar model has already proven to be successful with the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds that are now set to begin their third full season with its Sharon Speedway being its home base from its inception.  The Sportsman Modifieds now also features a small "Touring" Series that will visit another four speedways throughout the region and is expected to see its biggest growth spurt during the 2016 season.  The same successful progression is expected for the RUSH Pro Mods.           

Scott will continue his racing career with a Late Model and an open motor E-Mod, but with regards to the operation of the track, he will wear a number of hats.  He says that there will be a group of six or seven who will sit down on a regular basis and talk about issues regarding the racetrack 

Another individual who was involved in initiating the Pro Mod class is retired E-Mod, Late Model, and Limited Late Model driver, Dale Applebee.  This season he will co-own a RUSH Pro Mod for driver Jeremy Williams.  Applebee said that he and David (Scott) started talking in December about doing something with the Pro Mods and expanded those talks to include Emig as well. 
  

"I played a role in getting it started and then it grew from there," said Applebee. "I think it's going to bring in some good quality racers.  It's a good deal.  All the rules make sense and it's affordable for the weekend racer."  

"I will be driving the Applebee House Car," said Williams, who lives in Pittsfield, Pa.  "I raced a Stock Car for five straight years and was looking to find something different.  When we looked at the E-Mod, the motor costs were way too high so we found the RUSH series though Dale.  In early December, he approached me about driving for him because the Series was a go.  It was a class we could afford to do and move up from where we were before.  I just didn't want to race a stock car for the rest of my career." 

Other driver and owner responses are just as positive regarding the new Pro Mod Division.  One of them is Mike Asel of Kane, Pa., who is also the tech inspector for the RUSH Late Models at Bradford Speedway.  Asel hasn't driven a race car for the last 12 years, but plans to participate as an owner in the new RUSH Pro Mod Series with his brother, Dennis, behind the wheel.   When he did drive, Asel competed in Street Stocks at Sportsman's, MarionCenter, and Lernerville.

"We got rid of our Street Stock motor because I could buy a used crate motor for what it would cost to fix my Street Stock," said the 55-year-old Asel.  "So it was a no brainer for me.  It's (the Series) going to help keep the costs of racing down."  

Bear Lake, Pa. resident, Scott Gurdak, will be a regular competitor in the Pro Mods each and every Saturday.  "I think it's going to be a fun series because everyone has to run the same stuff," said Gurdak. 

For Gurdak, racing is certainly a family thing.  His sister, Lori, his brother, Stacey, and Scott own the family RUSH Late Model, while his brother also owns the Pro Mod.   Scott's plans are to run the full Stateline schedule, as well as the RUSH Late Model on a regular basis.  His sister's husband, Jack Hollabaugh, will crew chief on both cars.  "He used to tow my race car when I was just 16," said Gurdak.

Greg Johnson has been racing for 25 years and in an E-Mod since 2007 where he currently races at Stateline, Eriez, Tyler County, along with the Renegade and the UEMS Series.  Greg's son, Zach, will be doing the driving in their new Pro Mod and feels that the Pro Mod Series will be a good start for his 14-year-old son.  His plans are to take both cars to Stateline so that he and his son can both race at the same track.  

"I'm excited," said Greg regarding the Pro Mod division.  "I think it's a good deal.  If I was just starting out, that's where I would go," said Johnson.  "If I didn't have the E-Mod, I would probably have two Pro Mods."

Veteran, Chad Ruhlman will run an E-Mod and at times, he will also race the RUSH Pro Mod.  "I like it," said Ruhlman of the Pro Mod Series.  "I think the class needed the crate motor 20 years ago.  Guys are putting $35,000 into a motor for the E-Mods.  There's no economy in the cost of the motor when they're running for $500 a night to win. You would have to win 70 features a year to break even.  I think the Pro Mods is good with the spec shock and the spec motor, and everything that Vicki is doing is good for the racer." 

He also believes that the division is good for a beginner's class for the younger kids.  As with Greg Johnson, Ruhlman is going to have his 13-year-old son, Kevin, do the driving of his Pro Mod. 

One of the familiar names that will be participating in the Series is Justin Carlson.  The Panama, New York racer started his career in 1999 in the Stock Car division before moving to the E-Mods in 2002 where he's been a regular competitor ever since scoring wins and championships throughout the region.  Carlson is a strong believer in the Pro Mod concept and the point fund is what attracted him to the Series saying it's a nice reward for a long year's work. Carlson will be campaigning both an open E-Mod and a RUSH Pro Mod during 2016.  

Corry, Pa's Bill Silvis said that he feels the Series is really going to be good and more economical.  Silvis' 15-year-old son, Jarrod, was targeted to drive the family Pro Mod, but prior commitments will now mean that Bill will do the driving for 2016.  "There wasn't a learning class for racing so I figure this will be a good class for that," said Silvis. "I think it will be a little easier to learn with more of an even class."

Another son who will be driving for his father is Brandon Blackshear.  The younger Blackshear will be driving an Econo Mod at both Sharon and Eriez and occasionally a Pro Mod at Stateline.Brandon is the son of Don Blackshear, the Director of Circle Track Engine Development at Pace Performance.

Jason Covey of Clymer, NY has raced a Street Stock for the past five years and is looking forward to the new class.  "I think it's a great idea as far as keeping the costs down, evening things out, and making it more of a driver's class.  I'm excited about the season," he said.  

Though his home track South Buxton Raceway in Merlin, Ontario is not part of the RUSH program yet, Dennis Smith's car will be 100% RUSH legal with a GM 604, the spec Bilstein Shocks, and the RUSH 91 pump gas.  The Canadian is a big proponent of the rules package and RUSH and hopes to make at least one appearance at Stateline for "Manufacturers Night".

Membership, as always with all RUSH divisions, is optional and is only available for drivers who compete with the GM 604 and 602 engine packages.  Membership makes drivers eligible for the point funds and gives the drivers an excess $100,000 of participant accident insurance.  The cost to join is $125.  The Sweeney Weekly Series championship is comprised of member drivers' best 12 feature points finishes throughout the 2016 season at RUSH Pro Mod sanctioned events.  

In closing Emig believes the RUSH Pro Mods will be just as successful in the end as the other RUSH classes.  "Over the years we've been continually asked when we were going to do develop a crate engine E-Mod division.  There's definitely been a need for this type of class, especially in the past few years, but as they say, everything in its time and place, and I can't think of a better place to begin the Pro Mods than Stateline Speedway with the Scott family." 

"Thanks to this initial group of racers we are going to have a strong foundation to build upon into the future," continued Emig.  "One thing is for sure, they already have a great advantage in that all of the great partnerships that are in place with the RUSH Racing Series are waiting in the wings to support and provide them with the same exciting and valuable programs RUSH racers have enjoyed throughout the years!"

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.