Grundy racing: Gentile takes Mid-Am points lead
From Submitted Reports June 19, 2012 2:40PM
Updated: July 17, 2012 11:01AM
With Mid-American points leader Ron Vandermeir not in attendance last weekend at Grundy County Speedway, Kevin Gentile took advantage of his opportunity.
Gentile set fast time, finished second in the heat race and won the 25-lap feature with a late race pass over Cody Clubb. That vaulted Gentile into the division points lead over Vandermeir, who was absent because of a prior commitment, his wedding.
Clubb held on to finish second for his best career Mid-American feature finish. Olson, John McMahon and Chuck Yuris rounded out the top five. Ray Brackett and Ron Willems won heat races earlier.
After a bit of a slump, Eddie Hoffman returned to victory lane in the late model division. He got around early race leader Tracy Schuler on lap 15 and cruised to an easy victory.
The best battle was between Schuler and third-running Pat Kelly, who finished second and third, respectively. Chris Cooling and Larry Schuler rounded out the top five. Kelly set fast time and DJ Weltmeyer won the trophy dash. Brandon Clubb and PJ Polcyn won heat races.
In street stock, Aaron Shelton opened a big early lead. Points leader Nathan Kelly moved into second on lap 6, caught Shelton on lap 12 and made the pass on lap 14.
As the lead duo raced for the win, they encountered a pack of cars, including Paul Polarek, who was three laps down. Going into turn 3, Polarek and Kelly made contact with both cars getting out of shape. Shelton tried to make his move but Kelly got his car back under control and held off Shelton at the line.
Shelton was later disqualified for a motor infraction. John Senerchia was credited with second, followed by Matt Sisson, Logan Love and Cheryl Hryn. Kelly set fast time while Darrell Gay and Love won heat races.
In pure stock, winner Nick Dearborn held off a hard-charging Mark Johler, who was making his first start of the season. Dan Schmiessing, Rich Dearborn and Zach Mitchell rounded out the top five. Earlier, Dearborn won the heat race.
