WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Defending modified champion and current point leader Andrew Krause raced to victory in the Summer Thunder 100-lap modified race Saturday night at Wall Stadium Speedway.
The hard fought victory marked a sweep for the Holmdel resident as he has won all five of the regular season modified races contested at the track thus far this year.
Starting 10th on the 24-car grid after posting fast time in qualifying, Krause was on a mission as he passed all cars in front of him to take the lead after eight laps. Howell’s Jimmy Blewett was also on the charge as he advanced to second from an 11th starting spot in just 18 circuits.
With many in the field battling for position behind them, Krause and Blewett struggled for the lead at the head of the field. On several restarts, mostly forced by minor incidents, Blewett would line on up the inside lane with Krause to his outside. The duo would then race side-by-side with Krause eventually slipping into the lead again.
At the finish Krause held the winning trophies with Blewett second. After much position swapping, Brick’s Eddie McCarthy and Steven Reed and Blake Barney, both of Jackson, wrapped up the top five.
“You always try to get to the front quickly, but tonight things just really went our way,” Krause said of his early race charge to the front. “I’m real happy it worked out this way because the 51 car was moving to the the front behind me. We had a good race the rest of the way and I hope you all enjoyed it.”
Nick Catone of Brick grabbed his first ever win in the companion 25-lap race for the Factory Stocks, dedicating the victory to his young son who passed away a few years ago. Catone fought off the late race challenges of two time champion Elliot Wohl of Beachwood, while Kevin Flores of Brick, Bryan O’Shea of Neptune City and Manchester’s Scott Riggleman completed the top five.
Defending champ Ryan Maher of Neptune City won the 25-lapper for the Fast 4 cars over Mike Lavery of Orangeburg, N.Y.. Farmingdale’s Ian Avery, Billy Pross of Hazlet and Burlington’s Alonzo Morales.
Mike Alcaro of West Milford to the 25-lap win for the Legend Cars over Waldwick’s Quinn Trimmer, Mason Magee of Northeast, Maryland, Malcolm Campbell and Southampton’s Colin Milroy.