BILLY DECKER'S FUEL STRATEGY LEADS TO 2ND ECKERD 200 WIN
By Ken Kuhlman
SYRACUSE, NY.....Pit strategy, fuel conservation and an abundance of homework were the routes that Unadilla, N.Y.'s Billy Decker used to take the $100,000 win in Sunday's Eckerd 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds, putting the lid on the 29th edition of Super DIRT Week. Decker rolled the dice for over half the race, conserving a tank of fuel that would end up having to last 107 miles of the 200-mile event.
While most of his nearest competitors during the closing stages of misjudged their fuel consumption, Decker's race-long conservation made the difference as he was able to hold off a fast-closing Steve Paine of Waterloo, N.Y. at the finish. This marked Decker's second career triumph of the Eckerd 200, with the same Olsen-designed/Enders-powered creation carrying him to victory lane in 1998.
Five-time Eckerd 200 winner Brett Hearn showed the way at the start yet luck would not be in Hearn's favor this time around as a flat left rear tire forced him to pit on lap 11. That turned the lead over to Paine, who was seeking his initial Syracuse win.
Current overall Hoosier Tire/Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT points leader Paine was able to hold on to the top spot through lap 55. At that point it was Hearn bringing out a yellow flag, losing the same left rear tire which was replaced just laps earlier. Under this caution period Paine opted to make the first of his two pit stops for fuel and tires.
This enabled Pennsylvanian Frank Cozze in the Thum Racing no. 12 to inherit the number one slot and he remained there until lap 104. In the meantime he collected the $10,000 halfway bonus posted by Budweiser. Stretching the fuel beyond the century mark proved costly for Cozze as he lost a lap after coasting pitside with a dry cell.
It was Pat Ward, rebounding from a first lap crash, now controlling matters up to lap 112 when he pitted for fuel. That move opened the door for Jeff Strunk, who had started back in 45th, one car shy of last, to take command.
Strunk held sway in convincing fashion through lap 149 when he headed to the pits for fuel. Decker was showing the way for the first time aboard his potent no. 91 New England Financial Group-Quality Hardwoods open-wheel mount.
The big question that remained for the duration was if his fuel supply would last to the finish, since his second and final trip to the pits was logged on lap 93. A question that was also raised by most of his closest challengers.
In the closing stages, veteran Jack Johnson held second until his gas tank ran dry 13 laps shy of the finish. With still four to go, the same happened to third place runner Danny Johnson. With less than two circuits remaining an identical fate forced second-place running Ronnie Johnson, Jack's son, to the sidelines.
Despite Decker noticeably slowing his pace, he was able to hold off a fast-closing Paine for the win. It marked the second day in a row Paine had to play the bridesmaid role at Super DIRT Week after settling for runner-up honors in Saturday afternoon's Sunoco/Aplus 358-Modified Championship.
Coming in on the heel's of a second-place finish garnered in last year's Eckerd 200, 52-year-old Sinking Spring, Pa. legend Kenny Brightbill crossed the line a close third. Fourth went to Bud Christmann from West Milford, N.Y. with Lehighton, Pa.'s Steve Bottcher rounding out the top five.
Dick Larkin of Sheffield, MA came out of 37th to take sixth at the finish, with defending winner Kenny Tremont from West Sand Lake, N.Y. securing seventh. Rounding out the top ten were Matt Quinn from Stephentown, N.Y., Genoa's Pat Ward and Tim Dwyer out of Gloversville, N.Y.
After capturing rookie of the race accolades after Saturday's Sunoco/Aplus title race, Baldwinsville, N.Y.'s Jimmy Phelps (16th) accepted the same award on Sunday.