Slow pit holds back Blaney

Dave Blaney registered his second career pole at the Nextel Open in Concord, N.C. last Friday night, then ran eighth the next night in the 30-lapper.
The Sharon Speedway co-owner's finish in the No. 23 Bill Davis Dodge in the Nextel Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway was somewhat disappointing because he was running third.
"We ran 20 laps and had a few cautions," he said. "We had a choice to pit or stay. We were third at that point, then pitted for new tires," Blaney said.
"It was a slow pit because we had guys we never used before. We came out ninth with only 10 laps to run after that. The car ran well, but the pit stop got us behind.
"It was too short a race and it didn't work out like we had hoped. We missed the setup a little, but the pit is what really killed us. That's the kind of situation we're in, so we're trying to make the best of it."
The Open started at 7:30. It was followed by the All-Star Challenge, which was won by Matt Kenseth.
Spotty year
Blaney, who has had trouble with sponsorship this year, ran the No. 23 with limited help from a North Carolina car dealer, Finish Line Dodge.
Blaney, of Hartford in Trumbull County, was runner-up at last year's Winston Open.
His first NASCAR career pole came last spring at Rockingham.
Whelen Engineering is back as a full sponsor for this weekend's Coca Cola 600. Blaney qualified 11th on Thursday for Sunday's 600 at Lowe's, where the race starts at 5:30 and continues into the dark.
"We had them at the Daytona 500," Blaney said of Whelen.
After spotty participation so far this NASCAR season, Blaney will be busy in the next month.
After the 600, Blaney will be in the MBNA America 400 at Dover, Del., in the No. 7 Dodge that he ran at Richmond.
He'll be back in the BDR No. 23 in the Michigan 400 on June 20 and ditto for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona on July 3.
At Richmond, a vibration problem forced him to finish 40th.
Busing and fuel
How is the cost of high fuel affecting area schools since shifting to the farther-reaching Federal League?
For the most part, it's status quo, at least at Boardman High. That's because the buses to transport athletes and teams run on diesel fuel.
While the various grades of gasoline have jumped significantly in the past couple months, the cost of diesel hasn't.
Being a new member of a league that requires an increase in miles traveled between schools doesn't seem to have been an issue, yet.
"In the long run, travel costs, especially in football, soccer and swimming, have actually been reduced," Boardman athletic director Dave Smercansky said.
"If we didn't have to pay for transportation, we'd be in good shape," Smercansky said. "However, it's an expense to put a bus on the road, even if it's to Poland or Canfield, because you've got to pay the driver. At least buses run on diesel fuel."
While the payment for bus, driver and fuel are inescapable, attempts to stabilize or cut costs are being made.
During a baseball game at Massillon Perry recently, players were put on one bus instead of two.
"It was more uncomfortable, but if it can save 100 bucks here and there, we'll do it," Smercansky said.
Boys and girls cross country teams are transported together now; consolidating the boys and girls golf and teams and, possibly, volleyball are under consideration.
However, it won't be done at the expense of cutting classroom time.
"Our most important responsibility is the kids in the classroom," Smercansky said.
Mass
During a recent Mass at St. Patrick-Hubbard to honor graduating seniors from high schools in its area, several individuals of athletic note took part.
Attending were Warren JFK's John DiFiore (California State, Pa., football) and Stephen Orlosky (Walsh, baseball); Hubbard High's Brittany McKee (Westminster, soccer) and Ursuline's Brad Borghetti (Pitt, football).
DiFiore and Orlosky wore royal blue gowns, McKee wore white and Borghetti, green. At one time, DiFiore, McKee and Borghetti attended St. Pat's School. Orlosky attended St. Rose, Girard.
XJohn Bassetti is a sportswriter for The Vindicator. Write to him at bassetti@vindy.com.