Archive for News
Thunder on the Hill
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AUGUST 23, 2020
CONTACT: BOB MILLER 443 513 4456
THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES
DANNY “DOUBLE D” DIETRICH STEALS THUNDER CUP IN DRAMATIC FASHION; VONDOHREN CLAIMS MODIFIED WIN AT GRANDVIEW THUNDER THURSDAY
BECHTELSVILLE, PA – August 27, 2020 – A wild finish and wet weather highlighted a thrilling night of racing at Grandview Speedway, on Thursday, for the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Thunder Cup presented by Levan Machine & Truck Equipment. Grandview Speedway and Thunder on the Hill pull off another upset, beating Mother Nature, her rain, thunder and lightning to complete the double header event by 11 PM. And the show was a thriller on an exceptionally well prepared and fast track. A field of twenty-five sprint cars and thirty-three modifieds were in the pits for the 139th Thunder on the Hill Racing Series event at Grandview.
In dramatic fashion, Danny Dietrich scored the Ollie’s All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car victory, and Craig VonDohren won the NASCAR 358 Modified portion of the event.
Dietrich, of Gettyburg, PA, found himself in second place when the white flag waved, with Aaron Reutzel in the lead and on his way to a third-consecutive All Star win at Grandview Speedway. The leaders swapped the top spot on lap 20 of the feature with Reutzel regaining the lead from Dietrich. But on the final lap, with slower traffic ahead, the leaders made contract entering turn one. Dietrich took the lead and the contact sent Reutzel spinning in turn one displaying the yellow flag.
“There’s not really a lot to say,” Dietrich explained about the altercation during Victory Lane ceremonies. “Our car was good, and I wanted to win.”
A pair of previous winners led the field to the green flag with Reutzel starting on the pole of the 35-lap Thunder Cup A -Main and Freddie Rahmer starting in the second position.
At the drop of the green flag, Reutzel quickly darted to the lead and held command of the field for the first ten circuits while Dietrich, Rahmer, and Christopher Bell dueled for second spot behind him. Dietrich charged inside Rahmer for second, with Bell muscling his way around Rahmer into third just two laps later.
Dietrich and Bell didn’t let Reutzel out of their sights. As the No. 48 and the No. 39 rand down Reutzel’s No. 87, and waited to strike. With Bell on his tail, Dietrich charged outside Reutzel taking the top position on lap 20.
Traffic continued to be an obstacle for the leaders, with Reutzel maneuvering back into the lead just four circuits later.
Poised and waiting for the right opportunity, Dietrich hunted down Reutzel waiting for the All Star Series Point leader to make a mistake.
The white flag flew, indicating the final trip around the one-third-mile raceway. Heavy-footed, Dietrich motored into turn 1, making contact with Reutzel who spun. The caution left Reutzel to restart in the 20th position.
Dietrich would roll on through a green, white, checkered finish to claim the Thunder Cup win and the $5,000 prize money. Christopher Bell finished in second position, Freddie Rahmer in the third position, James McFadden in fourth, and Paul McMahan in fifth.
In the NASCAR 358 Modified main event, Boyertown, PA’s Craig VonDohren battled with Reading, PA’s Doug Manmiller to win the 30 lap, $3,000 to win main event.
Justin Grim started second and led the early stages of the event before Manmiller took control on the third circuit, with VonDohren following into the second position.
VonDohren claimed the top spot on the 6th lap dueling with Manmiller side-by-side.
In the end, VonDohren would sail on to victory, his seventh career Thunder on the Hill win. Manmiller would settle for second position, Brett Kressley finished in third, Billy Pauch, Jr. in fourth, and Mike Gular finishing in the fifth spot.
A brief rain shower slowed the action during NASCAR 358 Modified qualifying. The track crew worked vigorously to maintain control of the one-third-mile clay oval, and the storm only saw a 30-minute delay. An exercise too often displayed at the Thunder on the Hill events.
Special thanks to the fans and race teams who once again supported all the efforts and displayed outstanding cooperation to get this show completed. We also thank Levan Machine and Truck Equipment of Fleetwood, PA for their support and efforts. It was truly a big win in getting this show completed.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlets All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars
Time Trials – 1. Aaron Reutzel – 11.713, 2. Paul McMahan – 11.725, 3. James McFadden – 11.760, 4. Tony Stewart – 11.778, 5. Freddie Rahmer – 11.804, 6. Zeb Wise – 11.843, 7. Christopher Bell – 11.843, 8. Anthony Macri – 11.856, 9. Danny Dietrich – 11.861, 10. Brock Zearfoss – 11.864, 11. Josh Baughman – 11.881, 12. Skylar Gee – 11.911, 13. Cory Eliason – 11.913, 14. Lucas Wolfe – 11.936, 15. Ryan Taylor – 11.972, 16. Brandon Rahmer – 12.014, 17. Brent Marks – 12.019, 18. Gerard McIntyre – 12.070, 19. Kyle Reinhardt – 12.074, 20. Kyle Moody – 12.132, 21. Mark Smith – 12.168, 22. Greg Wilson – 12.273, 23. Brad Howard – 12.413, 24. Brett Michalski – 12.499, 25. Chad Miller – 13.161
Heat 1 (10 Laps) – 1. Christopher Bell 2. Aaron Reutzel 3. Tony Stewart 4. Brandon Rahmer 5. Brock Zearfoss 6. Kyle Reinhardt
Heat 2 (10 Laps) – 1. Josh Baughman 2. Anthony Macri 3. Brent Marks 4. Freddie Rahmer 5. Lucas Wolfe 6. Paul McMahan
Heat 3 (10 Laps) – 1. Danny Dietrich 2. Skylar Gee 3. James McFadden 4. Zeb Wise 5. Brett Michalski 6. Mark Smith
Dash 1 (6 Laps) – 1. Aaron Reutzel 2. Freddie Rahmer 3. Paul McMahan 4. Danny Dietrich 5. Christopher Bell 6. James McFadden 7. John Baughman 8. Tony Stewart
A-Main (35 Laps) – 1. Danny Dietrich 2. Christopher Bell 3. Freddie Rahmer 4. James McFadden 5. Paul McMahan 6. Brent Marks 7. Josh Baughman 8. Anthony Macri 9. Zeb Wise 10. Tony Stewart 11. Brandon Rahmer 12. Skylar Gee 13. Kyle Reinhardt 14. Lucas Wolfe 5. Brett Michalski 16. Cory Eliason 17. Greg Wilson 18. Brock Zearfoss 19. Kyle Moody 20. Aaron Reutzel 21. Mark Smith 22. Gerard McIntyre 23. Chad Miller 24. Bradley Howard
NASCAR 358 Modifieds
Heat 1 (10 Laps) – 1. Billy Pauch, Jr. 2. Brett Kressley 3. Bobby Trapper, Jr. 4. Justin Grim 5. Brett Gilmore 6. Kevin Hirthler
Heat 2 (10 Laps) – 1. Craig Von Dohren 2. Doug Manmiller 3. Mike Gular 4. Briggs Danner 5. Brian Hirthler 6. Jared Umbenhauer
Heat 3 (10 Laps) – 1. Rick Laubach 2. Ray Swinehart 3. Eric Biehn 4. Ryan Lilick 5. Jeff Strunk 6. Craig Whitmoyer
Consi (10 Laps) – 1. Keith Hoffman 2. Duane Howard 3. Matt Stangle 4. Ryan Watt 5. Kyle Lilick 6. Mark Kratz
Feature (30 Laps) – 1. Craig VonDohren 2. Doug Manmiller 3. Brett Kressley 4. Billy Pauch Jr. 5. Mike Gular 6. Jeff Strunk 7. Justin Grim 8. Bobby Trapper, Jr. 9. Rick Laubach 10. Briggs Danner 11. Ray Swineahrt 12. Brian Hirthler 13. Ryan Watt 14. Matt Stangle 15. Ryan Lilick 16. Jared Umbenhauer 17. Eric Biehn 18. Keith Hoffman 19. Craig Whitmoyer 20. Kyle Lilick 21. Kevin Hirthler 22. Brett Gilmore 23. Mark Kratz 24. Duane Howard.
Stress Levels Were High At Georgetown Speedway | Short Track Super Series
Posted by: | CommentsWALL STADIUM RELEASE FOR 8-29-2020
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Wall Stadium
DATE OF EVENT: Aug. 29, 2020
DATE OF RELEASE: Aug. 23, 2020
CONTACT: Jeff Gravatt
CONE RACES FOR STOCK CARS AT WALL SATURDAY (AUG. 29)
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ All of the fans who attend this Saturday (Aug. 29) evening’s stock car racing events at Wall Stadium Speedway will be rewarded with high-speed action from five racing divisions in “Cone Races” on the high-banked third mile paved oval. Modified, Sportsman, Factory Stock, 4 Cylinder Stock and Limited Late Model racers will all be in the spotlight.
Grandstand seating will open Saturday at 4:30 p.m., qualifying is set for 5:30 p.m. and main event racing will follow at 7:00 p.m.
The Modified 40-lap “Cone Race” main event on the night is important in the race for the season-long driving title. Two-time winner Blake Barney of Jackson has looked strong in early season action as have former champ Steven Reed of Jackson, Jimmy Blewett of Howell, Andrew Krause of Holmdel and Toms River's Derek Hopkinson, to name a few.
Also on the card will be 25-lap “Cone Races” for the 4 Cylinder Stocks, Sportsman cars, Limited Late Models and the Factory Stocks.
In a “Cone Race” a traffic cone is placed on the backstretch at the one-to-go sign for a restart. Any driver can choose to go inside the cone or outside the cone. If the first four drivers choose the inside, for example, the fifth place driver can choose the outside and move up to the front row. Does a driver take the preferred inside groove and restart further back on the inside, or does he or she choose the shorter line of cars on the outside and hope he or she can make it stick? That’s the issue each driver will face on each restart.
Pit gates will open at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday; with practice starting at 3:00 p.m. Grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m., qualifying is then set for 5:30 p.m. with main events for all divisions to follow.
Wall Stadium presents professional motorsports events on Saturdays through early October with special post-season races in late November. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400, while CKMotorsports@aol.com is the track’s email address. Updated information is always available at www.wallspeedwayracing.com.
Modified Double Dip On Tap This Saturday August 29th At New Egypt Speedway
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New Egypt Speedway
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New Egypt Speedway
Route 539, New Egypt, NJ
Track Phone: 609-758-1900
Website: www.newegyptspeedway.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newegyptspeedwayofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nesspeedway
Pete MacDonald email: pmacdonald11@hotmail.com
Modified Double Dip On Tap This Saturday August 29th At New Egypt Speedway
NEW EGYPT, NJ - New Egypt Speedway is back in action this coming Saturday night August 2nd with the 2nd Annual Double Dip for the Vahlco Wheels Modifieds. The Modifieds will compete in Twin-20 lap feature events.
The race for the Vahlco Wheels Modified title is as close as it can be and with Twin 20’s this Saturday night, anything is possible.
Billy Pauch Jr. leads the points by a scant six markers over both Danny Bouc and Mike Butler heading into Saturday. Fourth sits Ryan Krachun just 16 out of the lead with Dakota Kessler fifth 29 points out of the lead. Brandon Grosso is sixth 41 out, David VanHorn is 48 off of the lead despite missing a race with Dominick Buffalino fresh off of his Ron John Koczon Classic win eighth, with Cale Ross and Davey Sammons completing the top ten in Modified points.
The Larrys Hot Rods & Harley’s Northeast Wingless Sprint Cars presented by the Meat Shoppe, Sportsman, 4-Cylinders and Lyons Construction/Metal Fab Rookie Sportsman will complete the racing card this Saturday night..
Adult (16+) admission will be $23, Seniors (65+) are $20 with Teens (12-15) & Military w/ID being $13 to get in with Kids 11 & Under being FREE! All sets of TWINS will also receive free General Admission when they come together.
Pit gates will open at 4pm with the grandstands opening at 5pm. Hot laps will hit the Speedway at 6pm with the first race of the night firing off at 7pm.
For more information call the New Egypt Speedway office at 609-758-1900, email Nesoffice@comcast.net.
New Egypt Speedway, which is New Jersey’s premier dirt racing facility, is located on Route 539 just minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure and the New Jersey Turnpike. A racy 7/16-mile D-shaped dirt oval, New Egypt Speedway serves Garden State race fans with some of the best competition in the country. New Egypt’s state-of-the-art facilities feature daylight-quality lighting and excellent sightlines from any seat in the house. The grandstands are fully wheelchair accessible with wide, clear, and well-groomed walkways. Concession facilities serve up everything from Jersey Burgers to ice cream treats at family-friendly prices.
For more information, visit online: www.newegyptspeedway.net, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newegyptspeedwayofficial, or follow us on Twitter @nesspeedway.
Grandview Speedway
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NEWS FROM ROGERS FAMILY GRANDVIEW SPEEDWAY, Bechtelsville, PA
Presenting Saturday night NASCAR stock car racing plus a variety of special events. Our 58th consecutive season.
Track office: General Manager: Tina Rogers@ 610.754.7688 - Public relations: Ernie Saxton: Email: Esaxton144@aol.com – Cell phone: 267.934.7286
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VON DOHREN AND BRIAN HIRTHLER ARE POINT LEADERS HEADING TO AUGUST 29 TRIPLEHEADER
MODIFIEDS, SPORTSMAN AND EXCEL 600 MODIFIEDS WILL BE THE ATTRACTION AT GRANDVIEW
BECHTELSVILLE, PA August 24, 2020 . . . The chase for the crown continues at Grandview Speedway. As NASCAR stock car racing continues this Saturday, August 29, there are three point events remaining on the schedule as of now. Ten time track champion Craig Von Dohren continues to set the pace in T.P.Trailers Modified standings with 2358 points. Close behind is defending champion Duane Howard with 2271 counters coming off a strong second place effort behind Brett Kressley last Saturday night. Doug Manmiller, without benefit of a feature win, is third in the standings with 2249 points, as he looks for his first title.
In the T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman division Brian Hirthler, the point leader for much of the virus shortened season, has 1877 points followed closely by Brad Arnold with 1713 points. Third spot is held by Jack Butler with 1596 counters.
With a tripleheader show of Modifieds, Sportsman and Excel 600 Modifieds set for Saturday night Jared Umbenhauer fourth in the Modified standings and 10 time champion Jeff Strunk holding on to 1951 points will try to close up on the leaders as just three point events currently remain on the Saturday night schedule.
Fourth in the Sportsman standing is veteran Chris Esposito having earned 1583 points while Kyle Lilick has 1556 tallies to hold on to fifth.
On Saturday night competition will be keen as all racers try to improve on their standings. There have been 47 Modified racers and 51 Sportsman talents earn points in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series which encompasses tracks across the nation.
So far this season there have been eight different winners in the Modifieds. Brett Kressley is the only repeat winner with two victories. In the Sportsman there have been nine point events run with nine different winners.
Saturday night racing will include qualifying events for all divisions with the Modifieds topping things off with a 30-lap feature, Sportsman go with a 25 lap main event and Excel 600 Modifieds running 20 laps. Spectator gates open at 5:30 p.m. and racing gets started at 7:30 p.m. Pit gates are open at 4 p.m. Adult admission is $18 while young people under 12 are admitted free.
“Da Rev’s Meet & Greet”, set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, will feature Briggs Danner and his Modified, Lex Shive and his Sportsman while the 600 Excel Modifieds will be represented by Eric Whitby and SamScicchitano.
Modifieds and Sportsman are featured in a doubleheader on September 5 along with a special “Hard Charger Challenge”, a 22 lapper, showcasing Modified racers not in the top 15 and have not been a feature winner in the Modifieds. This first time event for non-winners is attracting a huge amount of interest.
Bobby Gunther Walsh has posted a $500 Hard Charger Award for the September 19th 50th Anniversary Freedom 76. The cash award made possible by sponsors ResQ Natural Supplements, Just Born Candies, Mike & Ike and Hot Tamales. Opportunities for event sponsorships including $20 lap sponsorships are available by contacting Tina Rogers or Tommy Kramer at the track or telephone Ernie Saxton at 267.934.7286.
For information on Grandview Speedway check in www.grandviewspeedway.com, Facebook or telephone 610.754.7688.
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR MODIFIEDS AS OF AUGUST 22, 2020
1. Craig Von Dohren, Oley, PA #1C 2358*
2. Duane Howard, Oley, PA #357 2271*
3. Doug Manmiller, Shoemakersville, PA #44M 2249
4. Jared Umbenhauer, Richland, PA #19 2128
5. Jeff Strunk, Boyertown, PA #126 1951*
6. Ryan Grim, Laury’s Station, PA #17 1871
7. Louden Reimert, Oley, PA #16 1836
8. Mike Gular, Boyertown, PA #2A 1747*
9. Brett Kressley, Orefield, PA #19K 1727**
10. Rick Laubach, Hellertown, PA #7L/18/14 1469
11. Craig Whitmoyer, Hamburg, PA #99 1461
12. Briggs Danner, Allentown, PA #78 1327
13. Kevin Hirthler, Boyertown, PA #117 1324**
14. Justin Grim, Orefield, PA #61 1256
15. Kyle Weiss, Hamburg, PA #21K 1255
16. Dylan Swinehart, Fleetwood, PA #81 1118*
17. Ron Kline, Salford, PA #3 1037
18. Dan Waisempacher, Springtown, PA #01 965
19. Brad Grim, Coplay, PA #23 935
20. Ryan Lilick, Collegeville, PA #49 925
21. Brett Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7B 921
22. Mike Lisowski, Minersville, PA #15 888
23. Kenny Gilmore, Fleetwood, PA #7K 874
24. Ryan Watt, Boyertown, PA 14W 837
25. Ray Swinehart, Perkiomenville, PA #33 727
26. Eric Biehn, Barto, PA #87 690
27. John Willman, Birdsboro, PA #74W 651
28. Colt Harris, Hegins, PA #C7 607
29. Joe Funk, Coopersburg, PA#14R 598
30. Bobby Gunther Walsh, Allentown, PA #65 590
UNOFFICIAL POINT STANDINGS FOR NASCAR SPORTSMAN AS OF AUGUST 22, 2020
1. Brian Hirthler, Green Lane, PA #4* 1877*
2. Brad Arnold, Bethel, PA #27 1713*
3. Jack Butler, Phillipsburg, NJ #5 1596*
4. Chris Esposito, Hatfield, PA #31A 1583
5. Kyle Lilick, Collegeville, PA #104 1556*
6. Ryan Beltz, Barto, PA #221 1550
7. Mark Kemmerer, Green Lane, PA, PA #F10 1521
8. Nate Brinker, Allentown, PA #14 1386
9. Kyle Smith, Fleetwood, PA #77 1311
10. Jesse Leiby, Milford, NJ #9 (332) 1304
11. Jimmy Leiby, Milford, NJ #9L 1265
12. Brad Brightbill, Sinking Springs, PA #19 1250*
13. Dakota Kohler, Kutztown, PA #59K 1079*
14. Cole Stangle, Neshanic Station, NJ #20C 751
15. Kenny Bock, Birdsboro, PA #6 746
16. Brandon Edgar, Lehighton, PA #57 736
17. Mike Mammana, Nazareth, PA #31 705
18. Nathan Mohr, Exeter, PA #17M 694
19. Parker Guldin, Fleetwood, PA #11 686
20. John McGovern, Bechtelsville, PA #327 672
21. Decker Swinehart, Fleetwood, PA #38 650
22. Jesse Landis, Gilbertsville, PA #973 644
23. Lex Shive, Pennsburg, PA #5K 619
24. Scott Kohler, Kutztown, PA #12S 613*
25. Ryan Higgs, Nazareth, PA #16 474
Chuck Eckert #29,* Also a feature winner.
* denotes feature win (Feature wins listed are only for those that are
NASCAR point events.)
Kyle Larson Charges from 22nd to Win Hoosier Hundred
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The United States Auto Club.
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Contact: Richie Murray - USAC Media / richie@usacracing.com
Kyle Larson charged from his 22nd starting position to win Sunday night's Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. (Dallas Breeze Photo)
KYLE LARSON CHARGES FROM 22ND TO WIN HOOSIER HUNDRED
By: Richie Murray - USAC Media
Indianapolis, Indiana (August 21, 2020).........It's not often that a driver can win the pole and also start from the back, charge to the front and win all in the same race. But, as the 2020 racing season has repeatedly asked us, is there anything Kyle Larson can't do?
In his first USAC Silver Crown appearance in eight seasons, Larson achieved another remarkable feat Sunday night at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the 65th running of the Hoosier Hundred after he and his team opted to change the right rear tire following Fatheadz qualifying on his Sean Michael Motorsports/JVI Group - Heffner Racing Enterprises - Blazer's Body Shop/Maxim/Kistler Chevy, gladly accepting the penalty that came along with it that sent him to the back of the pack for the start of the 100-lap main event on the one-mile dirt oval.
After initially qualifying for the pole position with the fastest single lap turned in the event in a quarter century, the decision sent Larson, along with six others who chose to swap out their right rear rubber, to the tail for the start. Specifically, Larson was re-slotted in the 22nd starting spot, which elevated Hoosier Hundred Rookie Logan Seavey and veteran C.J. Leary to the front row.
"I think we made a good call there to give up our qualifying position to put on a harder compound tire which allowed me to be aggressive all race long," Larson revealed.
That mentality of aggressiveness from Larson was evident early and often from the drop of the green flag which saw Leary shoot out to the lead from his outside front row starting spot to lead early. Meanwhile, two separate hard charges were simultaneously taking place. Defending Hoosier Hundred winner Tyler Courtney had risen from his 14th starting spot to 2nd in just seven laps while Larson went 22nd to 4th by lap nine when the first major melee of the night occurred.
First, Kyle Robbins slowed substantially coming out of turn four to force out the first yellow. Under yellow, as several of the top-ten frontrunners slowed for the caution in turn two, a major jumble up sent four-time Hoosier Hundred winner and seventh running Kody Swanson flipping along with 11th running David Byrne, who landed his car atop the inside guardrail. Austin Nemire, Jimmy Light and Terry Babb were also collected in the incident. All were uninjured, but out of the race for good.
On the attempted resumption, Courtney ripped around Leary for the top spot entering turn one while, simultaneously, Larson did the same to Seavey for third. Just moments later, disaster ensued once again in the very same spot in turn two as Hoosier Hundred Rookie Carmen Perigo flipped wildly down the back straightaway. Behind him, the field checked up on the binders with 2016 HH pole winner, Brady Bacon, getting the worst end of the deal, barrel rolling down the back straight. Both were uninjured.
John Heydenreich was also involved in the incident, coming to a rest up right against the inner guardrail in turn two, and was later transported for further observation, but was awake and alert.
The second lap 10 restart was déjà vu for Courtney as he repeated his outside turn one move for the lead by Leary just following the waving of the green flag. Larson, likewise, moved around Seavey for third in turn three, then took second a half lap later with an outside pass of Leary in turn one on the 10th lap.
Following lap 16 wall contact by Chris Urish between turns three and four that necessitated a yellow, Larson went to work on Courtney for the lead. On the 24th circuit, Larson faked high, then low on the front straight behind Courtney before taking the high side to storm around Courtney for the top of the leaderboard entering turn three a half lap later with a quarter of the race in the books.
Leary took over second from Courtney on the following lap, the 26th, and set forth toward Larson, ultimately reclaiming the lead on the 30th trip around the Indy Mile with an inside turn one pass. Leary, whose father Chuck Leary won the 1997 edition of the Hoosier Hundred, was aiming to become the first son of a former winner to also claim victory in the event.
Action slowed once again on the 34th lap as contact between Matt Westfall and Bryan Gossel in turn four sent Gossel rocketing hard into the outside concrete wall before flipping in his maiden Hoosier Hundred start, marking the fifth and final flip of the feature event. Gossel, who was running 21st at the time, emerged from the wreck unscathed.
From the ensuing restart onward, the front runners settled into a groove with Leary maintaining a one second interval over Larson as the race passed through the middle stages which saw another HH Rookie, Jake Swanson, enter the top-five, then to fourth, with two more accidents occurring for 8th running Chad Kemenah (lap 55) and 14th place Mike Haggenbottom (lap 64), both of whom had a meeting with the turn three outside wall, which ended both drivers' nights.
Although not leading at that stage, Larson, nonetheless, remained on the leader's pace while being mindful of his equipment, readying himself for a surge when the opportunity arose.
"It was a long race, but through the mid-point, I just tried to pace C.J. as much as I could, and also pace Tyler (Courtney) behind me," Larson recalled. "You just never know how your tire is when you see theirs under yellow."
The lap 69 restart was second place-running Larson's finest moment of the race as he immediately darted to the outside of Leary at the drop of the green flag, then cranked his car completely sideways in front of Leary as he blitzed to the top spot for good. Upon entry to turn one, Leary slid up the racetrack, allowing Courtney to dive underneath for second and dropping Leary to 3rd.
"I felt like on all the restarts, I could fire off better than C.J. for a few laps, so I wanted to be aggressive on that final restart," Larson explained. "I was able to get around him and then I wanted to set a fast pace. I felt like we probably all had enough wear in our tires to get by for another 30 laps."
With just a quarter of the race remaining, Courtney slowly but surely reeled Larson in, from five tenths, to four tenths to three tenths, and was right there withing striking distance on the 79th lap when his car slowed dramatically off turn four with an engine issue, forcing his car to a slow crawl to the back straightaway exit and ending his bid for a repeat HH triumph.
Newly-minted second-place driver Leary instantaneously closed the gap on Larson, standing just two car lengths back on the 82nd go-around, but was unable to get much closer than that, as Larson incrementally bumped up his lead to eight-tenths of a second.
One more final bout with lapped traffic was presented to Larson with seven laps remaining as Patrick Lawson and Ronnie Wuerdeman were momentarily two wide entering turn one with Larson rapidly approaching just behind. Larson expertly escaped through the gap in between turns one and two, only losing a single tenth off his lead to Leary in the process from 0.8 to 0.7 sec.
Larson didn't allow Leary to get any closer than that in the final seven laps, reconstructing the interval between the two to a whopping 2.052 sec. at race's end as Larson raced to his first USAC Silver Crown victory since his legendary 4-Crown Nationals USAC sweep at Eldora Speedway of 2011.
n his first USAC Silver Crown start since the 2012 season, Kyle Larson earned his third career series victory on Sunday night at the Hoosier Hundred. (Ryan Sellers Photo)
Leary finished 2nd with Logan Seavey finishing a career-best 3rd in just his second career series start. Shane Cockrum took home 4th while Chris Windom snagged the 5th spot to round out the top-five.
One-hundred-mile dirt USAC Silver Crown races are taxing both mentally and physically on the driver, but for Larson, the achievement of success that comes from the fruits of his and the team's labor is the ultimate reward.
"I just ran really hard, but it was tough. I had my brakes to the floor and my power steering was really tight. It was a workout for 100 laps but it's all worth it. To add my name to the list, it feels special."
Following Larson's third career USAC Silver Crown win on Sunday night, both winners on the dirt have come from way back in the pack to reach victory lane. Shane Cottle started 23rd and won on Aug. 9 at Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway while Larson charged from the 22nd starting position to win at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
With Justin Grant's 8th place run on Sunday, along with Kody Swanson's early race misfortune, Grant has now taken over the USAC Silver Crown point lead by 22 markers over Swanson.
Aaron Pierce's time of 6:36.928 during Sunday's qualifying race set a brand new 12-lap USAC Silver Crown track record at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, eclipsing the former mark of 6:42.010, which had been held by Gene Lee Gibson since Sept. 10, 1988.
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USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMP CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS: August 23, 2020 - Indiana State Fairgrounds - Indianapolis, Indiana - 1-Mile Dirt Oval - 65th Hoosier Hundred
FATHEADZ EYEWEAR QUALIFYING: 1. Kyle Larson, 19, Michael-31.426; 2. Logan Seavey, 22, Prestige Worldwide-31.850; 3. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-31.887; 4. Brady Bacon, 6, Klatt-31.915; 5. Shane Cottle, 81, Williams-31.930; 6. Jimmy Light, 123, Two-Three-31.933; 7. Shane Cockrum, 53, Five Three-32.116; 8. Kody Swanson, 20, Nolen-32.150; 9. Chad Kemenah, 15, Hampshire/Kemenah-32.198; 10. Jake Swanson, 10, DMW-32.258; 11. Aaron Pierce, 26, Pierce-32.294; 12. Kevin Thomas Jr., 9, Dyson-32.363; 13. Chris Urish, 77, Urish-32.453; 14. Chris Windom, 17, Goodnight-32.471; 15. Patrick Lawson, 2, Lawson-32.527; 16. Matt Westfall, 54, Westfall-32.560; 17. David Byrne, 40, Byrne-32.608; 18. Kyle Cummins, 69, Pink 69-32.636; 19. Austin Nemire, 16, Nemire/Lesko-32.817; 20. Tyler Courtney, 97, Lein-32.883; 21. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-32.910; 22. Terry Babb, 88, Babb-32.963; 23. Kyle Robbins, 7, KR-33.101; 24. Carmen Perigo, 52, Stehman-33.105; 25. Casey Buckman, 74, Buckman-33.117; 26. Justin Grant, 91, Hemelgarn-33.179; 27. John Heydenreich, 37, Bohanon/Felker-33.297; 28. Austin Mundie, 47, Butler-33.300; 29. Mike Haggenbottom, 24, Haggenbottom-33.381; 30. Matt Goodnight, 39, Goodnight-33.441; 31. Ronnie Wuerdeman, 33, Wuerdeman-33.457; 32. Dallas Hewitt, 57, Hewitt-33.554; 33. Travis Welpott, 18, Welpott-33.620; 34. Bryan Gossel, 06, Gossel-33.890; 35. Danny Long, 44, Long-34.474; 36. Justin Peck, 110, DMW-37.240.
QUALIFYING RACE: (12 laps, top-6 transfer to the feature) 1. Aaron Pierce, 2. Justin Grant, 3. John Heydenreich, 4. Austin Mundie, 5. Matt Goodnight, 6. Ronnie Wuerdeman, 7. Mike Haggenbottom, 8. Travis Welpott, 9. Bryan Gossel, 10. Dallas Hewitt, 11. Danny Long, 12. Justin Peck. 6:36.928 (New Track Record)
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Kyle Larson (22), 2. C.J. Leary (2), 3. Logan Seavey (1), 4. Shane Cockrum (23), 5. Chris Windom (24), 6. Jake Swanson (8), 7. Shane Cottle (4), 8. Justin Grant (20), 9. Kyle Cummins (26), 10. Matt Goodnight (21), 11. Casey Buckman (19), 12. Patrick Lawson (11), 13. Ronnie Wuerdeman (30), 14. Kevin Thomas Jr. (9), 15. Tyler Courtney (14), 16. Mike Haggenbottom (28), 17. Chad Kemenah (7), 18. Austin Mundie (27), 19. Kyle Robbins (17), 20. Matt Westfall (25), 21. Bryan Gossel (29), 22. Chris Urish (10), 23. Aaron Pierce (31), 24. Russ Gamester (15), 25. Brady Bacon (3), 26. Kody Swanson (6), 27. David Byrne (12), 28. Jimmy Light (5), 29. Terry Babb (16), 30. Austin Nemire (13), 31. Carmen Perigo (18), 32. John Heydenreich (32). NT
**Kody Swanson & David Byrne flipped on lap 10 of the feature. Carmen Perigo & Brady Bacon flipped on the lap 10 restart during the feature. Bryan Gossel flipped on lap 34 of the feature.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-9 C.J. Leary, Laps 10-24 Tyler Courtney, Laps 25-29 Kyle Larson, Laps 30-68 C.J. Leary, Laps 69-100 Kyle Larson.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMP CAR SERIES POINTS: 1-Justin Grant-199, 2-Kody Swanson-177, 3-Kyle Robbins-167, 4-Matt Goodnight-167, 5-Chris Windom-166, 6-Shane Cottle-163, 7-Aaron Pierce-151, 8-Mike Haggenbottom-149, 9-C.J. Leary-143, 10-Bryan Gossel-136.
PROSOURCE PASSING MASTER POINTS: 1-Chris Windom-99, 2-Tanner Thorson-76, 3-Kyle Cummins-65, 4-Justin Grant-64, 5-Kyle Larson-62, 6-Shane Cottle-61, 7-Logan Seavey-57, 8-Cannon McIntosh-57, 9-Daison Pursley-48, 10-Robert Ballou-45.
CONTINGENCY AWARD WINNERS:
Fatheadz Eyewear Fast Qualifier: Kyle Larson
KSE Racing Products/B & W Auto Mart Hard Charger: Kyle Larson (22nd to 1st)
Wilwood Brakes 13th Place Finisher: Ronnie Wuerdeman
Jerry Medlin 16th Place Finisher in Memory of Jerry Nemire: Mike Haggenbottom
KOFOID OVERCOMES AN EARLY CAUTION TO DOMINATE AT JACKSONVILLE
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POWRi Racing
Winner Michael 'Buddy' Kofoid (POWRi Photo)
KOFOID OVERCOMES AN EARLY CAUTION TO DOMINATE AT JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville, IL. (08/23/2020) Perfection was the word of the night on Sunday for the Penngrove, CA. native- Michael "Buddy" Kofoid aboard the Keith Kunz Motorsports No. 67 at the famous Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, IL.
After a rough heat race run and putting himself in the semi Feature, Michael "Buddy" Kofoid squeaks his way into the 30-lap main event. Charging from the 19th position to capture his seventh win on the 2020 race season with the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget League.
Joined alongside Clinton Boyles of Greenwood, Missouri. Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, AZ made up the front row. As they both lead the field the green flag, Kofoid starting in the 19position was involved in the caution that came out on the first lap. Due to a complete restart, Kofoid regains his 19th starting position.
Boyles came back to life on the restart and pulled away while the attention turned to the battle brewing for second as Coons followed in second. As Thomas Meseraull had his hands full battling with Emerson Axsom. Hitting the halfway mark, Boyles still in the lead and Kofoid had made his way up to the sixth position.
A caution for a stopped car on lap 24 brought fans to the edge of their seat, with only six laps to go. Buddy Kofoid was sitting in the third position right before the caution. Going back to green, Boyles remained in control with Kofoid in second after passing Emerson Axsom. Kofoid set his sight on Boyles and does just that, he takes the lead on lap 27 and Axsom followed to claim second.
Crossing the stripe and completing a perfect night on the amazing Jacksonville, IL surface, Michael "Buddy" Kofoid parked his No. 67 in victory lane for the seventh time this year and climbed atop the cage victoriously in front of a full Jacksonville crowd.
Finishing in second after capping a late charge, Emerson Axsom of Franklin, IN. brought his No. 15 home with the runner-up honors. Rounding out the podium in third-place, Clinton Boyles with it being his best career finish with the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget League. Fourth place was brought home by No. 85 Jerry Coons Jr. Rounding out your top five, the Muskogee, OK. native- Kaylee Bryson.
"Just kind of got unlucky in the heat race and had an issue with the right rear, but to get my seventh win with these KKM guys and a 1st, 2nd, and a 1st this weekend is pretty huge." Stated Buddy Kofoid
"Definitely need more seat time, Buddy he is really good right now in midgets." Emerson Axsom brings home the second-place finish.
"I got to do my job a little better, still kind of new to this and what it takes to be good there throughout the 30- laps." Clinton Boyles bringing home third.
Winner Michael 'Buddy' Kofoid (POWRi Photo)
Schoenfeld Headers Heat 1 Winner: 71K - CANNON MCINTOSH
AFCO Heat 2 Winner: 15 - EMERSON AXSOM
Diversified Machine Inc. Heat 3 Winner: 19M - ETHAN MITCHELL
Auto Meter Heat 4 Winner: 21 - ZACH DAUM
Super Clean High Point: 98 - CLINTON BOYLES
Rod End Supply Semi-Feature 1: 72 - SAM JOHNSON
TRD Hard Charger: 67 - BUDDY KOFOID
Lucas Oil Feature Winner: 67 - BUDDY KOFOID
POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget League Feature Results (30 laps): 1. 67 - BUDDY KOFOID 2. 15 - EMERSON AXSOM 3. 98 - CLINTON BOYLES 4. 85 - JERRY COONS JR 5. 71 - KAYLEE BRYSON 6. 21 - ZACH DAUM 7. 9 - DAISON PURSLEY 8. 87 - KARTER SARFF 9. 49 - JOE B MILLER 10. 3N - JAKE NEUMAN 11. 97 - BRENHAM CROUCH 12. 3W - BRANDON WAELTI 13. 00 - TREY GROPP 14. 28 - ACE MCCARTHY 15. 21K - EMILIO HOOVER 16. 72 - SAM JOHNSON 17. 08 - NOAH GASS 18. 7X - THOMAS MESERAULL 19. 56D - MITCHELL DAVIS 20. 19M - ETHAN MITCHELL 21. 103 - BROC HUNNELL 22. 2H - LUKE HOWARD 23. 71K - CANNON MCINTOSH
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