BRANDON, S.D. – Cory Eliason broke into Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 for the first time this year during the re-opening of Huset’s Speedway on Sunday evening.
Forced to outduel the Kerry Madsen, as well as fend off late charges by Dominic Scelzi and Ian Madsen, Eliason’s triumph was accomplished in front of a capacity crowd at the Brandon, S.D., venue, securing $20,000 in the process. He’s now within 92 points of the series championship lead, currently held by Aaron Reutzel.
“This place is badass,” an elated Eliason said in Huset’s Speedway victory lane. “This is probably the best crowd that I’ve seen this season and it’s incredible. Thank you all for coming out and supporting this race.”
Starting from the outside pole, Eliason followed Kerry Madsen for the first 11 circuits, not imposing a real threat until the frontrunners reached traffic for the first time on lap nine.
By lap 12, Eliason was in position to pounce, taking advantage of Madsen’s brush with the turn four wall to drive by the Killer Instinct Crossbows No. 2M to lead the circuit.
Despite near-devastating contact, Madsen persevered, getting back by Dominic Scelzi on lap 16, who followed Eliason by the No. 2M, before executing a perfect slider to drive by Eliason in turn four on lap 17.
Madsen’s pace through traffic eventually dwindled, allowing Eliason to close-in on Madsen once again. Utilizing the very topside of the speedway, Eliason was back within striking distance on lap 19, using the next four circuits to build enough momentum to make another bid for the lead.
On lap 23, Eliason was back in control, driving right around Madsen who tried to hug the bottom of turns three and four. Scelzi mimicked Eliason’s move and also drove by Madsen.
“This place definitely reminds me of Tulare and Chico back home,” Eliason continued. “I was concerned when Kerry got to the front that it was going to be game over for us, but lapped traffic came into play and it really helped us out. We had a really nice race car tonight. I can’t thank everyone enough who helps us out. Kevin Rudeen is here tonight so it’s special to get a win with him and the team.”
Kerry Madsen held on to finish third at Huset’s Speedway, followed by a hard charging Ian Madsen and Rico Abreu.
Kyle Larson, who had won seven-straight features with the series, crashed during his heat race and scratched for the remainder of the evening.
The finish:
1. 26-Cory Eliason [2]; 2. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [3]; 3. 2M-Kerry Madsen [1]; 4. 5-Ian Madsen [12]; 5. 24-Rico Abreu [5]; 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel [7]; 7. 70-Cale Thomas [4]; 8. 18-Gio Scelzi [6]; 9. 21-Brian Brown [9]; 10. 13-Paul McMahan [11]; 11. 19-Paige Polyak [10]; 12. 11-Zeb Wise [15]; 13. 35P-Skylar Prochaska [8]; 14. 4X-Terry McCarl [13]; 15. 7-Justin Henderson [21]; 16. 17W-Shane Golobic [17]; 17. 3K-Tim Kaeding [18]; 18. 14J-Jody Rosenboom [16]; 19. 83-Lynton Jeffrey [23]; 20. 44S-Trey Starks [14]; 21. 99-Skylar Gee [24]; 22. 17-Josh Baughman [20]; 23. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg [22]; 24. 27-Tucker Klaasmeyer [19]