STARS racing: Jimmy Anderson wins another title
From submitted Reports October 10, 2012 10:32PM
Updated: November 12, 2012 11:54AM
With the 2012 D’Arcy GMC STARS season coming to a close recently at Grundy County Speedway, plenty of hardware was handed out.
Avon, Ind. native Tyler Cottongim picked up his first career victory in the Alex Pruett/Bob Lockard Memorial presented by 3 Wide Life, passing Grant Galloway on lap 28 of the 30-lap event. Galloway led the first 27 laps.
Unfortunately, Cottongim’s win was overshadowed by a horrific crash on the final lap involving five cars. It all started with Brad Greenup attempting to make a pass on Galloway for second while spinning out, causing cars to move out of the way. Among those drivers was the eventual points champion Jimmy Anderson.
Anderson was running fifth at the time and moved up the track to avoid the spinning car of Greenup but clipped the car of Brian Nuckles, sending Anderson into the turn 2 catch fence. He walked out under his own power and celebrated the season-long accomplishment of becoming champion.
This is the fourth career championship for the 36-year old Joliet native, who won the UMARA title in 2008, STARS in 2011 and 2012 and also the 2012 USAC D1 title. Following Tyler Cottongim at the finish was Galloway, Rookie of the Year Austin Prock, points runner-up Patrick Wilda Jr. and D’Arcy Shootout winner Kyle Hamilton. Wilda won the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash, with Prock, David Gough and James Robertson winning heat races.
Tom Schnabel earned his second victory of the season in the Town and Country Lanes Classic Modified division. Starting dead last, Schnabel worked his way through the field very quickly before taking over the top spot from 2011 champion Ed Ensor at the halfway point of the 20-lap event. Ensor finished second followed by Craig Stark, 2012 champion Erica Ensor and Mike Petrizzo.
The lady Ensor became the first female to be crowned champion in the D’Arcy GMC STARS series. The 15-year-old high school sophomore piloted the same car that her father won the championship with in 2011. Schnabel cleaned house as the fast qualifier and winner of the heat race and Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
In the INEX Legends division, Max McNamara won his second victory of 2012 by edging out Brian Tedeschi, Drew Higginson, Bryce Bailey and Ben Fidone. McNamara was the fast qualifier and heat race winner with Tedeschi won the Hot Rod Barn Trophy Dash.
In CSR SuperCup action, Jaret James picked up another victory, followed by Jordan Caskey, Jamie Domski, 2012 champion Austin Kunert and Brody Hayes.
