Rothbury, MI (Tuesday, May 11, 2021) - For the second week, Winston Speedway fired off a Friday night racing program that featured IMCA Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Stock Cars, and Front-Wheel Drives. Of course, the headliner was the DIRTcar UMP Late Models; added to the schedule following an American Racer tire shortage earlier this season.
Jamie Grochowski and Bill Bray led a full field of DIRTcar UMP Late Models to the Green Flag Friday night. Bray jumped out to the early lead, but was quickly brought under fire by Brandon Thirlby and Greg Gokey in the early stages of the race. Bray was committed to using the outside groove of the speedway, while Thirlby worked to try and bring in the bottom side. As Bray stretched out his lead, Thirlby and Goke began battling hard for the second spot, allowing third-place running Eric Spangler to close the gap. As the field worked into the backmarkers of the field, the first caution flag flew when Ronnie Smith spun in turn number two.
The restart proved to be no challenge for Bray who picked up right where he left off. That was until the halfway mark when Gokey challenged for the lead. Bray and Goke made contact on the next rotation at the flag stand, allowing Thirlby and Spangler to race up to the lead duo. A pair of quick cautions would fly, scrambling the front few cars.
On the second restart, Gokey got into the wall in turn two and could not recover, handing over second spot to Spangler who wasted no time going on the offensive with Bray. Spangler used the inside line in turns three and four to slide up in front of Bray for the lead, never looking back en route to his second Winston Speedway win of the season. Cody Bauer took home second as Bray fell to third. Thirlby and Dona Marcoullier Rounded out the top five.
Next up for Winston Speedway is an IMCA Modified Fast Shaft $1,000 to win race on Friday, May 14th. Plus, the regular line-up of cars will fill the program. For more information, log onto www.RaceWinstonSpeedway.com and find Winston Speedway on Facebook.
Story - Zach Hiser, Horsepower Happenings
Photo - Just Shoot Me: Photography by Katie
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