Jun 23, 2013 08:48 PM EDT
Mike Smith Wins IMCA Empire State Series Race at Black Rock Before Rain Hits
Rich Vleck, DUNDEE, NY, (June 23, 2013)- Mother Nature was overall unkind to the fans and racers at Black Rock Speedway on Sunday, then again, there were two dry windows that did allow the program to become official.
After ran stayed away from Dundee for much of the midday, a heavy rain storm hit just after the sportsman heats, forcing a delay of over two hours. Once the track was worked back in, some great qualifiers along with the IMCA Modified feature were completed. As the street stocks were on the track though, another heavy cell moved over the speedway and forced the postponement of the remainder of the street stock race and the others until Sunday, July 28.
The rain was a big break for Chris Fisher. The defending street stock champion, had led the first 13 laps, but fell back to second behind Brett Marlatt when the left rear tire went down on the No. 37, but before he had to go pitside, the red flag came out, allowing him to stay up front when the race resumes next month.
Smith, the two-time IMCA Track Champion, took the lead form Rich Karlonski on lap four and then held a steady distance over hard chargers Mike Wilmot and Chris Fleming to pick up the biggest win at his home track.
After Smith had taken the lead, local favorite Phil Yaw, along with Karlnoski, both suffered mechanical failures, allowing guys like Wilmot and Fleming to find their way to the front. Despite charging up front quickly, they could not seem to gain much ground on Smith. Wilmot would hang on for second ahead of Fleming, Matt Roberts and Gary Robets.
The 50/50 tickets that were sold will be carried over to the July 28 event as well and are still eligible for a prize. For more information, visit www.BlackRockSpeedway.com.
Lap Leaders- Karlnoski 1-3, Smith 4-25.
Heat Winner- Howard, Karlnoski, Smith.
Home Necessities Bandits (10 Laps)- BRANDON MATHEWS, Brandon Kinner, Allison Teed, Joey Rodbourn, Desiree Force, Matt Mashewske.
Lap Leaders- Rodbourn 1-2, Mathews 3-10.
Did Not Qualify: Chuck Winslow, Nick Robinson, Boby Maynard, Larry Fenton Jr., Lavern Knickerbocker III, Kevin Clark, Carl Cleveland.
Lap Leaders- Fisher 1-13, Marlatt 14-
Heat Winners- Karlnoski, Fisher, G. Sharpsteen, Green.
Consi Winner- Morseman.
Hoselton Auto Mall Crate Sportsman Heat Winners- Daugherty, Gray, Hoag.
Signs Plus of Kanona/ Watkins Glen NAPA 4-Cylinder Heat Winners- Kreidler III, Cummings, Grant.
Front Wheel Drive 4 Cylinder Heat Winner- Mahrt.