Springport, MI (Monday, May 10, 2021) - For the first time in the 2021 season, the NAPA Outlaw Super Late Models would take to the 3/8s mile oval. It would be a cold, windy, night at the track, but the action was top notch excitement.
The first feature of the evening was the Dragon Racing Fuel Street Stocks and they set a high bar. Mark Flierman looked to be well on his way to winning his first feature of the season, leading the majority of the laps in the race. However the Middleville, Michigan drivers would encounter a slew of lapped cars, which did not make things exceptionally easy for him. While negotiating the lapped cars, Defending Track Champion Jerry Pierman would be able to catch Flierman and after some deft passes around the lapped cars got past Flierman to take the lead and go on to win his second straight feature. Flerman held on to second over Brock Ganus, Mike Havens, and Gabe Carr. Makenna Long and Carr were heat race winners, with Brock Ganus setting fast time with a 16.908.
The AutoLab Late Model Sportsman division would be next up. It would be a race of attrition with several high profile names leaving the race in accidents, including Defending Champion John Trudell who suffered a terrible hit into the turn one wall putting him out for the second race in a row. Thankfully Trudell would walk away uninjured and looks to return to action very soon. In the meantime, a blast from the past made use of the outside groove to make a few key passes and take the lead. That would be former Champion of the now defunct SuperPro Late Model Series, and multiple time feature winner at Springport, Tommy Cook. The Hoosier State invader held strong up front to take the win in his first appearance of the season. Denver Sweat was second, with Paige Rogers, Austin May, and Chris Munson completing the top five. Jake Hopwood and Cook would win the pair of heat races with Trudell setting quick time at a 15.835.
The NAPA Outlaw Super Late Models were next up for their feature event. The field was stacked with elite names from the Outlaw wars. Austin Thiel and Former Champion Joey Barnhart would pace the field in the early laps, but the crescendo of the race was a three car battle between Matt Frazier, Defending Track Champion Jeff Ganus, and Two-time JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Champion Dan Leeck. The trio would be be within striking distance of each other in the closing laps, but it would be Frazier hanging on at the conclusion. Leeck hung on for second over Ganus, Thiel, and Andrew Brest. Thiel and Barnhart would take the heat race wins while Leeck set the mark in qualifying with a 14.956.
The Port Stocks would close out the evening with their two feature events. The B feature would be up first. It was a tremendously close race with several drivers having a shot at the win before Tyler Reading planted his flag in victory lane over Derrike Prater, Jason Davis, Mike Rose, and Gracelynn Mayhew. The A Feature would also be one of surprises with a few of the top contenders having to drop out due to mechanical issues. Ryan Kinsey would be the man to capitalize and take his first win of the season over Andrew Losey, Ashley Chalfant, Gavin McGuffy and CJ LaMange. Jacob Newman, Jerry Pierman Sr., Jerry Drumhiller, and Ryan Hollister would all take heat race wins with Andrew Losey setting the mark in qualifying at a 17.697.
Hunter Pierman (5-9) and Colby Casler (10-14) was the winner of the Riverside Gear/T&N Dairy Kreme Mini Wedge features.
Springport Mid-Michigan Speedway will be closed on Saturday, but will be racing on SUNDAY May 16 for the first ever running of the Battle at the Port. $3500 to win for the NAPA Outlaw Super Late Models, $1000 to win for the Dragon Racing Fuel Street Stocks, and $500 for the A and $250 for the B for the Port Stocks. Also a special 5pm start time for this rare Sunday event.
Story - Chris Fobbe, Horsepower Happenings
Photo - Jim DenHamer File Photo
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