GIBSONTON, Fla. — Mark Whitener went to victory lane for the second consecutive night in Crate Racin’ USA competition at East Bay Raceway Park during the 45th annual Winternationals Friday night.
A field of 77 crate late models filled the pit area.
The 30-lap feature was completed in 8 minutes and 51 seconds, running caution free with exciting action all over the third-mile race track.
Kyle Lukon grabbed the early lead and set the pace that sent the leaders into lapped traffic by the sixth circuit. Thursday winner Whitener stalked Dylan Knowles for second, finally making the pass on lap 13 for the runner-up spot.
As Lukon wound through traffic, Whitener closed the gap, moving inside on lap 22 to contest the top spot. That attempt did not yield a lead change, so Whitener tried the high side three laps later. This maneuver would prove fruitful as Whitener took the top spot for the second consecutive night.
Lukon, Knowles, Jeremy Shaw and Logan Roberson rounded out the top five.
The Thursday non-qualifiers dash, postponed to Friday, was won by Shan Smith. Michael Maresca, in his first start of the week, took the Friday non-qualifiers.
The finish:
Mark Whitener, Kyle Lukon, Dylan Knowles, Jeremy Shaw, Logan Roberson, Keith Nosbisch, Cory Hedgecock, Doug Horton, Jake Knowles, Joseph Joiner, Jake Rainey, Nevin Gainey, Drew Kennedy, Colton Leyendecker, Kyle Hardy, Tom Fiebelkorn, Cody Smith, Hunter Sweet, Jason Welshan, Mac McCarter, Tanner Collins, Braeden Dillinger, Bo Slay, Richie Stephens, Kyle Bronson, Phillip Cobb.