NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Eighteen years. That’s how long it had been since Minnesota’s Dan Fredrickson last won a race during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway.
That drought ended Wednesday evening when Fredrickson bested defending World Series Super Late Model champion Derek Griffith during a late restart.
“It’s awesome. It’s just great. We’ve been through a lot. We’re a privateer team, just doing this with our money and a couple great sponsors,” Fredrickson said. “It’s just me and a couple of other guys down here.”
Griffith initially appeared on his way to a comfortable victory until the first caution of the 35-lap race waved with 10 laps left. The first attempt at a restart immediately resulted in another caution when Sammy Smith slowed to a stop in turn four.
The second restart attempt was more successful, especially for Fredrickson. Restart on the inside of Griffith, Fredrickson got a great start and was able to ahead of Griffith entering turn three.
Griffith pulled the crossover on Fredrickson and the two raced side-by-side, with the two making contact coming out of turn four with nine laps left. Both cars briefly slid sideways, but Fredrickson and Griffith were both able to recover and continue.
Fredrickson would lead the remainder of the race while Griffith slipped through the field to fourth at the checkered flag.
Connor Mosack finished second behind Fredrickson, followed by reigning ARCA Menards Series West champion Jesse Love, Griffith and Daniel Dye.
Other winners on Wednesday evening at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing included Nick Panitzke in the Pro Late Model class and Ricky Moxley in the Florida Modified division.
The finish:
Dan Fredrickson, Connor Mosack, Jesse Love, Derek Griffith, Daniel Dye, Stephen Nasse, Jett Noland, Jacob Goede, Bubba Pollard, Ryan Moore, Brad May, Justin Mondeik, R.J. Braun, Jake Garcia, Kody Swanson, Kelly Moore, Kris Wright, Patrick Thomas, Sammy Smith, Jake Finch, Gus Dean, Steve Weaver, Michael Hinde, Travis Wilson.