High Schooler, Kyle Strickler Wins Modifieds - May 11, 2002
Nick Hendricks Gets First Win in Modified Lites
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE (5/11/02) - High School Senior, Kyle Strickler of Sinking Springs, Pa. looked like a seasoned veteran as he took control of the 25-lap Big Block Modified feature on lap six and held off 2001 Rookie of the Year, Andy Best for his second career win, Saturday night at the Delaware International Speedway. Nick Hendricks of Laurel, Del. put together the best drive of his career as he earned his first ever victory in the Modified Lite 15-lap main.
Mike Covey looked strong as he jumped out to the early lead over Ricky Johnson and Adam Jarrell. A hard crash at the starter's stand brought out the yellow on lap two. Involved in the crash were Doug Beach, Craig Mullins, Deron Rust, Cliff Foskey, and Ellsey Conover. Foskey was able to make repairs and return at the rear of the field and Mullins made it back out one lap later. A second hard crash involving Jarrell, Jim Carey, and Scott Irwin brought out the yelow again on lap three.
On the restart, Covey remained in control with Andy Best in second and Strickler moved by Johnson for third. Strickler shot by both Best and Covey to take the lead on lap six. Best followed into the second spot as Kenny Pettyjohn climbed into fourth. At the halfway sign the top five were Strickler, Best, Covey, Rick Bishop, and Pettyjohn.
Lap 13 was unlucky for several drivers. First Covey lost the handle and spun in the fourth turn bringing out the yellow. On the restart, Ricky Johnson hooked and inside tire and spun collecting H.J. Bunting, Norman Short, and Foskey. The final yellow was out on lap 18 when Bishop, who was running in third came to a stop.
On the restart, Strickler in the Becker Painting/Troyer/HG Associates No. 16 made no mistakes and drove to the 1.6-second victory over Best. Robert Dutton drove a smooth race to post a career best in third with Covey coming from the rear to salvage a respectable fourth and Gary Simpson rounded out the top five. "I love the track when it gets like this. You just have to keep it real smooth, " smiled an elated Strickler. "I thought we were going to run out of gas there for awhile with all those cautions and I started getting scared and hearing all these noises."
Sixth through tenth were Doug Rose, Pettyjohn, Short, Bobby Watkins, and Foskey. Johnson and Covey captured the heat races.
The 15-lap Modified Lite feature got off to a frightening start and Tom Curtis bicycled in the first turn and went into a wicked series of flips. Curtis was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center with a possible arm injury. Nick Hendricks took the lead from Tim White on the first lap and would never look back. At the halfway point he was followed by Mike Vammino, Jon Callaway, Steve White, and Landis Musser.
Musser was able to climb to the third spot after coming from the rear but Hendricks was not to be denied as captured his first checkered in the Hatteras Press/Coastal Marine/Suzuki. "I'd like to dedicate this race to Michelle Richards, car owner and a good friend," said an emotional Hendricks in victory lane. Michelle had passed away about a month ago and Hendricks is teammates with her husband, Glenn.
Vammino, Musser, white, and Herb Tunis rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Callaway, Dana Walker, Mike Stratton, David Dill, and Lucky Kohland. Hendricks and Dana Walker won the heats.
This Saturday night the United Racing Club returns for their second stop on the Taylor & Messick Delaware State Sprint Series. The URC joins the four weekly divisions with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and heats at 7:30 p.m.