Muskegon's Mike Garvey takes checkered flag in Viper Series
By Shawn Liverance |
Muskegon Chronicle
Muskegon native Mike Garvey got back into the winner's circle on Saturday at South Alabama Speedway in Kinston, Alabama.
Garvey took the lead on lap 53 and held off a challenge from Colt James to claim his first Viper Series win at the Alabama Speedway by besting 15 cars to win the Pigmy 100.
Garvey, who has started six races in the NASCAR Truck Series this season started on the pole, took over the lead after passing leader Josh Hamner.
James worked his way past Hamner on lap 61, and began to close the gap Garvey had built.
With the race having a 33-lap green stretch from lap 50 to 82, James closed to Garvey's bumper and took a look inside on several occasions.
The veteran Garvey was ready for the challenge and slammed the door each time. Garvey eventually gained a two-car length advantage over James, until the caution flew on lap 83.
With cool tires, James had another shot at Garvey, but Garvey got the jump and pulled away again. Garvey had to survive four cautions in the final 17 laps before pulling into Victory Lane.
Winston Speedway
Derek Poland's victory in the Sandy TenBrink Memorial Race for Street Stocks highlighted the racing action at Winston Speedway on Friday night.
Poland, who had won an earlier heat race, beat the runner-up car of Dan Dykman to the finish line.
Tim Tuttle, Chuck Smith and Jack Drolema rounded out the top-five finishers.
Also winning heat races were Brandon Thirlby (Late Model), Stan Dodds (Modifieds), Ben Welch (Factory Stocks), Dennis Bringedahl (Factory Stocks), Chris Gagnon (4 Cylinders), Ryan Hamm (Warriors) and Bethany May (Young Guns) also won feature races.
Thunderbird Raceway
Poland made it a weekend sweep as he took the checkered flag in the Street Stock feature at Thunderbird on Saturday night.
Steve Fairbanks finished in second places and Dykman finished in third place.
Kevin Nelson (Late Model), Aaron Morey (Modifieds), Dan Wilson (Factory Stock), Phil Herrick (Thunderstock), Mike Pickard (Thunderstock), Dave Redmon (Mini Stock) and Mike Goodwin (Warrior) also won feature races.
West Michigan Sand Dragway
Grand Haven's Kip Martin and Mike Page hope to overtake points leader Lee Reynders of Grand Rapids as the finals points series races of the season are run on Friday and Saturday at West Michigan Sand Dragway.
Martin and Page are tied for second place in the point standings behind Reynders in the Pro Truck category.
Mears' Jim Brantley also has an outside shot heading into the final races to win the Pro Truck points title.
Elimination races start at 7 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Lawn mower races
The best lawn mower racers from around the country and Canada will converge at the Sparta Airport on Saturday and Sunday for the Great Lakes Summer Nationals.
The action will feature racing action on riding lawn mowers with all cutting blades removed. Speeds are expected to reach 60 mph.
Racers compete for points, trophies and bragging rights rather than cash prizes.
The races are part of the 20 STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series held throughout the country and sanctioned by the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA).
Featured Michigan racers include 2011 National Lawn Mower Racing Hall of Fame inductee Art Neavill (Commerce Township); the father-and-son team of Jim and Jayson Mikula (Sparta) and 2-time USLMRA Driver of the Year Richard Webb (Saginaw).
Also on hand will be the Michigan Rough Riders Club from the Lansing area and the Western Ontario Outlaws from Canada.
The Sparta Airport is located at 9100 Vinton N.W. in Sparta.
Racing starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $5 for those 12 years of age and up.
AREA RACING SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
Where: Winston Speedway
Time: Racing begins at 7:15 p.m.
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $8, Kids 5-11 $3 and infants free.
Schedule: $300 to win Warrior race along with a full program of classes.
SATURDAY
Where: Thunderbird Raceway
Time: Racing begins at 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Kids 5-14 $5 and kids 4 and under free.
Schedule: $1,000 to win Late Model race and six other classes of racing.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Where: West Michigan Sand Dragway
Time: Eliminations on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m.
Admission: Friday $5 and kids 7 and under free, Saturday adults $10, kids 8-12 $5 and kids 7 and under free.
Schedule: Friday, test and tune 12-7 p.m. and eliminations at 7 p.m.; Saturday, time Trials and qualifying begins at 9 a.m. with eliminations at 4 p.m.
E-mail: sliverance@muskegonchronicle.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
I-96 Speedway RESULTS for Saturday, July 9th, 2011
Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend a Rousing Success at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 9th, 2011): The second and final night of the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend was on Saturday, July 9th at I-96 Speedway. The Bikes and Riders of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 and Regional Flat Track Racing Series were on hand in Lake Odessa, Michigan for two consecutive nights of two-wheeled racing action.
The two-day weekend was a rousing success with two consecutive shows and a great field of riders and their bikes competed and treated the fans in the grandstands to a thrilling night of two-wheeled racing excitement for the second night in a row, this time on the big 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval after spending the previous night on the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
As for the results for the Flat Track riders and teams in Lake Odessa, Michigan on another beautiful night of racing, this time on a Saturday night, there were 87 bikes / riders on the grounds competing in 16 different divisions and the big Feature Winners of the night were Jordan McCready who took Three Main Feature Wins in the 401-505cc A and 251-450cc Open and the premiere division with the AMA District 14 and Regional Flat Track Motorcycles Series, the Combo Division.
His Parkinson Brothers Racing Teammate, Brett Boulis was involved in a violent accident in 251-450cc Open division and was transported to the hospital. McCready dedicated all three of his Feature Wins to his teammate in a show of support.
Two-Time Feature Winners for the evening included; Devin Pfeiffer scored Feature victories in the 401-505cc B and 201-250cc Open Classes. Ross Robinson took home two triumphs in the 251cc+ Open Twin and Vintage 401cc+ Open Classes. Also Dean Young scored two Main victories in the Super Seniors 50+ and 451cc+ Open Single divisions and young Jacob Nichols took the Feature Wins in both the 0-51cc Multi-Speed and 0-51cc 4-8 years old divisions.
Thos repeating their Feature Wins from Day I of the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend the previous night were John Tejchma - Vintage 0-400cc, Gage Beland - 52-65cc 6-11 years old, Calob Blain - 66-85cc 6-11 years old. First time Feature Winners over the weekend were; Chuck Smith - Seniors 40+, and Cory Clare - Veterans 30+.
Overall a grand total of 200 Bikes / Riders participated in the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend over the two days. Both events this past Friday and Saturday (July 8-9th) were races #3-4 of five events to be held at I-96 during the 2011 racing season for the AMA District 14 and Regional riders. The series finale in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the AMA / I-96 Series is on Friday, July 22nd during Day II of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive, the AMA Regional riders and teams will race on the 3/8s mile.
AMA District 14 is a non-profit organization based in Midland, Michigan that promotes all aspects of motorcycling including Flat Track Racing as well as Motocross, Hare Scrambles, Enduros, Ice Races, Hill Climbing, ATV Racing, and Road Racing. AMA District 14 Club Council, Inc., is made up of AMA clubs and promoters in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and a small Eastern corner of the Upper Peninsula.
After taking the last couple of weekends off for other special events, the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series return to action on Saturday, July 16th with a full 4 in 1 show in the Summer Spectacular! The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and are coming off a very successful UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour race back on June 26th which was won by Moweaqua, Illinois standout, Shannon Babb.
They'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the lightning fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 16th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 16th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Highlighting the month of July will be a very special three races in four nights weekend as I-96 Speedway and Auto First Car Care Centers of Wyoming, Michigan are proud to bring in the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive which will be happening on Wednesday, July 20th and continues on Friday and Saturday, July 22-23rd featuring racing for both cars and motorcycles as well as two concerts by Country Music Legend David Allan Coe!
The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive kicks off on Wednesday, July 20th with a very special Wednesday night of racing as all four weekly divisions within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series will be in action for the second time in five days and will once again be headlined by the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models who will compete in the thrilling and highly anticipated midweek event titled; "I-96 Speedway VS North America Wednesday Night Showdown"
Also on the card will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts for an exciting evening of midweek stock car racing. The Time Line / Schedule as well as Ticket Prices remain the same as they would be for a regular Saturday night of racing, only this time, it's all on a special Wednesday Night!
For Wednesday, July 20th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Wednesday, July 20th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Then after taking a day to prepare for the rest of the weekend, the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive continues on Friday, July 22nd, as the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycles will have their 2011 I-96 Season Championships as riders from District 14, Regional stars, as well as the Pros who'll be coming in a day early for their big show the next day, will be racing together on a very special night for the Regional stars. Pit Gates open at 4:00p.m. Grandstands open at 6:00p.m., as Racing starts at 8:00p.m. Then after the races, Country Music Legend David Allan Coe will be performing Live in concert at approximately 10:30p.m.
To complete the entire weekend, the traveling bikes and riders of the AMA Pro Grand Nationals Flat Track Motorcycles will highlight the entire weekend on Saturday, July 23rd featuring the legendary Chris Carr as well as defending series champion Jake Johnson, plus Jared Mees, Sammy Halbert and more will tour around the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval at some of the fastest speeds seen this season! Grandstands open at "High Noon" 12:00p.m., while David Allan Coe will be back in concert for the second day in a row and before the Professionals take to the track, at 4:00p.m. Racing Starts at 7:30p.m.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search "I-96 Speedway"
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 9th, 2011): The second and final night of the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend was on Saturday, July 9th at I-96 Speedway. The Bikes and Riders of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 and Regional Flat Track Racing Series were on hand in Lake Odessa, Michigan for two consecutive nights of two-wheeled racing action.
The two-day weekend was a rousing success with two consecutive shows and a great field of riders and their bikes competed and treated the fans in the grandstands to a thrilling night of two-wheeled racing excitement for the second night in a row, this time on the big 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval after spending the previous night on the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
As for the results for the Flat Track riders and teams in Lake Odessa, Michigan on another beautiful night of racing, this time on a Saturday night, there were 87 bikes / riders on the grounds competing in 16 different divisions and the big Feature Winners of the night were Jordan McCready who took Three Main Feature Wins in the 401-505cc A and 251-450cc Open and the premiere division with the AMA District 14 and Regional Flat Track Motorcycles Series, the Combo Division.
His Parkinson Brothers Racing Teammate, Brett Boulis was involved in a violent accident in 251-450cc Open division and was transported to the hospital. McCready dedicated all three of his Feature Wins to his teammate in a show of support.
Two-Time Feature Winners for the evening included; Devin Pfeiffer scored Feature victories in the 401-505cc B and 201-250cc Open Classes. Ross Robinson took home two triumphs in the 251cc+ Open Twin and Vintage 401cc+ Open Classes. Also Dean Young scored two Main victories in the Super Seniors 50+ and 451cc+ Open Single divisions and young Jacob Nichols took the Feature Wins in both the 0-51cc Multi-Speed and 0-51cc 4-8 years old divisions.
Thos repeating their Feature Wins from Day I of the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend the previous night were John Tejchma - Vintage 0-400cc, Gage Beland - 52-65cc 6-11 years old, Calob Blain - 66-85cc 6-11 years old. First time Feature Winners over the weekend were; Chuck Smith - Seniors 40+, and Cory Clare - Veterans 30+.
Overall a grand total of 200 Bikes / Riders participated in the Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mayhem Weekend over the two days. Both events this past Friday and Saturday (July 8-9th) were races #3-4 of five events to be held at I-96 during the 2011 racing season for the AMA District 14 and Regional riders. The series finale in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the AMA / I-96 Series is on Friday, July 22nd during Day II of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive, the AMA Regional riders and teams will race on the 3/8s mile.
AMA District 14 is a non-profit organization based in Midland, Michigan that promotes all aspects of motorcycling including Flat Track Racing as well as Motocross, Hare Scrambles, Enduros, Ice Races, Hill Climbing, ATV Racing, and Road Racing. AMA District 14 Club Council, Inc., is made up of AMA clubs and promoters in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and a small Eastern corner of the Upper Peninsula.
After taking the last couple of weekends off for other special events, the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series return to action on Saturday, July 16th with a full 4 in 1 show in the Summer Spectacular! The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and are coming off a very successful UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour race back on June 26th which was won by Moweaqua, Illinois standout, Shannon Babb.
They'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the lightning fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 16th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 16th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Highlighting the month of July will be a very special three races in four nights weekend as I-96 Speedway and Auto First Car Care Centers of Wyoming, Michigan are proud to bring in the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive which will be happening on Wednesday, July 20th and continues on Friday and Saturday, July 22-23rd featuring racing for both cars and motorcycles as well as two concerts by Country Music Legend David Allan Coe!
The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive kicks off on Wednesday, July 20th with a very special Wednesday night of racing as all four weekly divisions within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series will be in action for the second time in five days and will once again be headlined by the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models who will compete in the thrilling and highly anticipated midweek event titled; "I-96 Speedway VS North America Wednesday Night Showdown"
Also on the card will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts for an exciting evening of midweek stock car racing. The Time Line / Schedule as well as Ticket Prices remain the same as they would be for a regular Saturday night of racing, only this time, it's all on a special Wednesday Night!
For Wednesday, July 20th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Wednesday, July 20th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Then after taking a day to prepare for the rest of the weekend, the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive continues on Friday, July 22nd, as the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycles will have their 2011 I-96 Season Championships as riders from District 14, Regional stars, as well as the Pros who'll be coming in a day early for their big show the next day, will be racing together on a very special night for the Regional stars. Pit Gates open at 4:00p.m. Grandstands open at 6:00p.m., as Racing starts at 8:00p.m. Then after the races, Country Music Legend David Allan Coe will be performing Live in concert at approximately 10:30p.m.
To complete the entire weekend, the traveling bikes and riders of the AMA Pro Grand Nationals Flat Track Motorcycles will highlight the entire weekend on Saturday, July 23rd featuring the legendary Chris Carr as well as defending series champion Jake Johnson, plus Jared Mees, Sammy Halbert and more will tour around the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval at some of the fastest speeds seen this season! Grandstands open at "High Noon" 12:00p.m., while David Allan Coe will be back in concert for the second day in a row and before the Professionals take to the track, at 4:00p.m. Racing Starts at 7:30p.m.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search "I-96 Speedway"
Garvey wins at South Alabama Speedway
Muskegon's Mike Garvey returned to victory lane as he won the 100 lap event at South Alabama Speedway (AL) in the Viper Pro Late Model Series.
1) Mike Garvey
2) Colt James
3) Brandon Odom
4) Josh Hamner
5) Bobby Knox, Jr
Mike Garvey Picks Up First Win of the Year
Garvey Back In Viper Series Victory Lane
By Ryan McCollough
Mike Garvey took the lead from Josh Hamner and held off a charging Colt James to take the win in the Pigmy 100 at South Alabama Speedway Saturday night.
Garvey and the Tracy Goodson Racing team came to Opp, AL looking to break a season-long slump. The bright spot of the year coming in to Saturday night’s 100 lapper was a win in Mobile in March that was tossed out in post-race technical inspection.
“We are about 50 to 75% to where we need to be,” said Garvey. “We have been fighting tight all year, and tonight it got tight, but not that bad.”
Garvey started on the pole after a re-draw reset the top-five starters, but on the start, Hamner used the outside line to take the lead on lap two. For the next 49 laps, Garvey stalked Hamner, never letting the #7 Hamner Racing Engines Chevrolet to get a comfortable lead.
Garvey dove under Hamner on a restart at lap 50 and scooted by him a lap later off of turn two.
Hamner, who later said that his car, “got way too tight in the second half,” began to fade back. Hamner’s issues allowed for Colt James to take second.
Garvey was able to keep James behind him through a series of late restarts to take home Tracy Goodson Racing’s first win of the year.
“The guy (James) is a good little racer. Over the last couple of years, we’ve had a bunch of real close races. He races hard, and he races clean, and I really appreciate that.”
James made his first start at South Alabama Speedway Saturday night, and nearly came away with a win.
“I’m a little disappointed, but with the way our year has been, I can’t be too upset,” James said. “I really don’t like laying the bumper to somebody, because you always have to think about what they are going to do to you next time around.”
Coming in to Saturday night’s race, the man to beat at South Alabama Speedway was Bubba Pollard. Pollard had won two of the year’s three Viper races, but Saturday proved to be a humbling day at the track. The Ronnie Sanders Racing team had axle issues all day long, and even had to cut one with a grinder to even be able to present the car for the race. The makeshift axle broke on the initial start and Pollard went home, not even completing a lap.
“We knew it was going to be iffy, but we had to try to make a lap to get the points.”
Pollard’s issues gave the Viper points lead to Brandon Odom.
The next Viper series race, the Copperhead 100, is set for August 6th.
Matt Merrell holds off Tim George for ARCA victory at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- The green flag dropped right along with the white flag, meaning Matt Merrell had one lap to go to hold off Tim George for the first ARCA Racing victory of his career.
Merrell survived not only a hard charge from George, but also an accident behind him as the Portland, Texas, driver cruised to the checkered flag Saturday night at Berlin Raceway by leading the final two laps.
"I had a good car and we just needed a caution again to get back up there. I knew I could get past Tim if I had another shot at him," said Merrell, who won the 200-lap feature, one of three feature races at Berlin.
"The car was awesome. There, on that long green-flag run, I just put it in coast mode. Tim just started opening up a lead and I knew if we could get some long runs in there we’d be good to go eventually. It was some very nice work for us."
Grant Enfinger, of Fairhope, Ala., started out in front and led through the first 52 laps of the race, but Merrell and Tom Hessert (Cherry Hill, N.J.) stayed close.
After a caution flag in the 120th lap, George passed Merrell out of the pits and hung onto the lead until two laps remained. Frank Kimmel spun on lap 195, and when the green flag came down three laps later, Merrell assumed command and held off George’s challenge. George led by as much as six seconds at one stretch.
"We just took our time. I wasn’t going to try and run Tim down when we started back up," Merrell said. "You can really use the outside lines to catch up here. I knew we’d eventually make up the time on him."
George, although visibly disappointed, knew Merrell had run a strong race.
"It was good," George said. "I was a little disappointed we didn’t go home with the hardware, but we can leave here on a positive note."
Merrell, who climbed on top of the door and enjoyed a celebration on Victory Lane, couldn’t believe his good fortune.
"I got the team behind me to get more victories out of this," Merrell said. "I hope the floodgates can open. Maybe we’ll go on a winning streak here soon."
Enfinger finished in third, followed by Sheltra and Chad Hackenbracht (New Philadelphia, Ohio).
BERLIN RACEWAY
Saturday’s winners: Tim DeVos (Premier Boyne Machine Late Model), Samantha Jansen (Vintage Racing Organization of America), Matt Merrell (ARCA)
Move of the week: After a pit stop, Tim George Jr. made a charge ahead of Matt Merrell in the ARCA race, but Merrell cruised ahead with two laps to go and held off George for the checkered flag.
Repeat champion: Canada proved strong again, as Samantha Jansen, a native of Ontario, cruised to her third VROA win at Marne.
Next week: Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital night is Saturday, with races in the Premier Late Model, Super Stock, Modifieds, Pro Stock and 4-cylinder categories.
Merrell took the lead at the 76th lap with George and Enfinger not far behind, and eventually, Merrell, George and Patrick Sheltra (Indiantown, Fla.) settled into the top three.
MARNE -- The green flag dropped right along with the white flag, meaning Matt Merrell had one lap to go to hold off Tim George for the first ARCA Racing victory of his career.
Merrell survived not only a hard charge from George, but also an accident behind him as the Portland, Texas, driver cruised to the checkered flag Saturday night at Berlin Raceway by leading the final two laps.
"I had a good car and we just needed a caution again to get back up there. I knew I could get past Tim if I had another shot at him," said Merrell, who won the 200-lap feature, one of three feature races at Berlin.
"The car was awesome. There, on that long green-flag run, I just put it in coast mode. Tim just started opening up a lead and I knew if we could get some long runs in there we’d be good to go eventually. It was some very nice work for us."
Grant Enfinger, of Fairhope, Ala., started out in front and led through the first 52 laps of the race, but Merrell and Tom Hessert (Cherry Hill, N.J.) stayed close.
After a caution flag in the 120th lap, George passed Merrell out of the pits and hung onto the lead until two laps remained. Frank Kimmel spun on lap 195, and when the green flag came down three laps later, Merrell assumed command and held off George’s challenge. George led by as much as six seconds at one stretch.
"We just took our time. I wasn’t going to try and run Tim down when we started back up," Merrell said. "You can really use the outside lines to catch up here. I knew we’d eventually make up the time on him."
George, although visibly disappointed, knew Merrell had run a strong race.
"It was good," George said. "I was a little disappointed we didn’t go home with the hardware, but we can leave here on a positive note."
Merrell, who climbed on top of the door and enjoyed a celebration on Victory Lane, couldn’t believe his good fortune.
"I got the team behind me to get more victories out of this," Merrell said. "I hope the floodgates can open. Maybe we’ll go on a winning streak here soon."
Enfinger finished in third, followed by Sheltra and Chad Hackenbracht (New Philadelphia, Ohio).
BERLIN RACEWAY
Saturday’s winners: Tim DeVos (Premier Boyne Machine Late Model), Samantha Jansen (Vintage Racing Organization of America), Matt Merrell (ARCA)
Move of the week: After a pit stop, Tim George Jr. made a charge ahead of Matt Merrell in the ARCA race, but Merrell cruised ahead with two laps to go and held off George for the checkered flag.
Repeat champion: Canada proved strong again, as Samantha Jansen, a native of Ontario, cruised to her third VROA win at Marne.
Next week: Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital night is Saturday, with races in the Premier Late Model, Super Stock, Modifieds, Pro Stock and 4-cylinder categories.
Merrell took the lead at the 76th lap with George and Enfinger not far behind, and eventually, Merrell, George and Patrick Sheltra (Indiantown, Fla.) settled into the top three.
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