CHEMUNG, N.Y. — Jesse Kent dominated the Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds on Friday night and collected his first career win in the modified division at Chemung Speedrome.
Others parked in victory lane included Mike Nichols (Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks), Anthony Gullo (Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks), Joey Bevacqua (Four Cylinders) and Joey Allowatt (Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros).
Kent has been close all season.
Everyone knew it was just a matter of time before he’d park his No. 26 in victory lane. The time was Friday night, and he did it by sweeping the action in the modified division. Kent started on the outside of the front row, but beat Jody Buckley to the front on the opening lap.
Nick Morich and point leader Lee Sharpsteen had a great battle going for third. Morich was there, and Sharpsteen was third by lap eight. The pair stayed together while Kent checked out and built up a sizeable lead over Buckley.
Morich dove to the inside of Sharpsteen as they entered turn one. He didn’t back off and clipped the pit wall, which ended his great run at lap 17. Kent was up to Buckley’s challenge on the restart and, over the remaining 13 laps, recorded the fastest times of anyone all night.
Sharpsteen caught and then got around Buckley to take over second.
As the checkered flag waved, it was first seen by Kent, who earned his first career victory in the headline division at Chemung.
“The car was so fast. My grandfather (George Kent) and cousin work so hard on this, and no one can set up a modified like my grandfather,” he said. Jesse Kent, who is a single dad, said he’s saved money when and where he could to race, adding, “I thank my sponsors, family, everyone who’s been behind me in this. It’s so appreciated.”
Kent has parked in Chemung’s victory lane before but never in a modified — a goal he’s had for several years.
Sharpsteen was second, ahead of Buckley, Tyler Harbst and Morich.
Modified Feature Results (30 Laps)
Jesse Kent, Lee Sharpsteen, Jody Buckley, Tyler Harbst, Nick Morich
Super Stock Feature Results (25 Laps)
Mike Nichols, Nick Robinson, Jason Duke, Jr., Charlie Sharpsteen, Jason Duke, Sr., Bradley Mister, Frank Chapman III, Chad Lane, Kalysta DeMark, Abe Romanik, Terry Potrzebowski, Donnie Russell, DNS – Frank Chapman, Jr.
Hobby Stock Feature Results (20 Laps)
Anthony Gullo, Josh Parker, Tom Shaffer, Gene Purvis, Mike Nickels, Dave Decker, Luke Nickels, Ethan Roberts, Brandon Ameigh, Mike Bailey, Chuck Nichols, Cullen Sharpsteen, George Nichols, Jr., Mike Lattimer, Ben Perry, Jimmy Hill, Ray Dann, Bruce Kinner
Four Cylinders Feature Results (20 Laps)
Joey Bevacqua, Matt Jennings, Greg Moldt, Jason Peck, Ricky Lane, Ron Manwaring
Bandoleros Feature Results (10 Laps)
Joey Allowatt, Jordan Smith, Devin Gullo, Madison White, Allison Smith