STEVE KINSER & JEFF STRUNK SHARE SPOTLIGHT IN JOYOUS VICTORY LANE
BECHTELSVILLE, PA MAY 30. 2004 . . . Steve Kinser wasn't about to let Sunday night's 35-lap World of Outlaws feature get away from him this time. After being defeated by the Pennsylvania Posse for three straight nights, the 18-time WoO champion from Bloomington, Ind. held off Lance Dewease to win his fourth career WoO sanctioned event at Grandview Speedway in front of a huge crowd. Bethel, PA driver Jeff Strunk gave his car owner Chad Sinon a big win in the 25-lap DIRT Southeast Big Block Modified series event. The night was sponsored by Strunk's car owner and it was his second straight series win at his hometown track.
The COMDIAL Telephone Communications Time Trials saw Danny Lasoski picked up the $200 fast time award for his one lap time of 12.087 seconds. A field of forty sprint cars competed in the program.
In the World of Outlaws feature event, Paul McMahan was the early leader as Kraig Kinser ran in the runner-up spot. Steve Kinser, who started seventh in the 24-car field moved by both Donny Schatz and his son Kraig during the 13th lap to grab the runner-up spot. Kinser closed in on the leader and used a move on the 18th lap to take the lead from McMahan and command of the event.
Tenth starting Dewease moved into second place with 20 laps down and began to close son the leading Outlaw Champion. Dewease closed to within a couple car lengths of Kinser when the yellow flag appeared for a three-car crash on the backstretch involving Brian Paulus, Mark Smith and Tim Shaffer.
The lapped car of Paul McMahan was put between Kinser and Dewease on the restart and that was all the King of the Outlaws needed as he drove away from the field to secure his 11th overall win during the 2004 season. "You run hard here everytime you come out here," stated Kinser following his $10,000 payday. "It's always been that way and it always will be. We've had a good car all week, we've just had some problems and I gave one away last night at Hagerstown. But overall we're pleased with the way the week went."
Donny Schatz finished third ahead of Saldana and Jeff Shepard. Chad Layton was sixth ahead of 20th starting Fred Rahmer, 21st starting Greg Hodnett, Kraig Kinser, Brian Brown and Danny Lasoski.
At the start of the twenty-five lap DIRT Southeast Modified feature, Jon Kellner, Sr. and Duane Howard battled hard for the lead early as Frank Cozze arrived to challenge, taking second place on lap nine. Cozze drove by Howard for the lead on the 10th lap as Strunk, who started 14th moved into fourth place on lap 11.
Several late race cautions kept the field close during the final portion of the race as Strunk moved by Cozze on the 16th when Cozze's car lost power in the fourth turn. Strunk was never challenged after taking the lead and drove to the win.
"I can't believe we are here," said the worn out winner." We had a lot of problems tonight but that's what we're all about. That was probably the wildest race I've ever won."
Kellner finished second followed b y Bobby Trapper, Kenny Brightbill, GR Smith, Duane Howard, Mike Gular, Shawn Reimert, Joe Grammies and Sam Wescott, Jr.
World of Outlaws 35-lap A Main FINISH: Steve Kinser, Lance Dewease, Donny Schatz, Joey Saldana, Jeff Shepard, Chad Layton, Fred Rahmer, Greg Hodnett, Kraig Kinser, Brian Brown, Danny Lasoski, Craig Dollansky, Lucas Wolfe, Daryn Pittman, Tim Shaffer, Jason Meyers, Paul McMahan, Billy Pauch, Brandon Wimmer, Brian Paulus, Mark Smith, Jason Sides, Jonathan Allard, Curt Michael. DNQ- - Blain Heinbach, Erin Crocker ,Dave Cordier, Kevin Drury, Bob Bennett, Kevin Welsh, Phil Weinstein Jr., Jeff Busby, Dan Shetler, Sam Schlosberg, Ed Aikin, Dave Hahn, Brian Carlsen, Midge Miller, Josh Weller, Randy West. Qualifying-- - Sprint heat winners include Jonathan Allard, Tim Shaffer, Greg Hodnett and Daryn Pittman. The "B" Main was won by Danny Lasoski as the DASH events saw Kraig Kinser and Joey Saldana split the victories. (40 sprint cars)
DIRT Southeast Modified 25-lap FINISH: Jeff Strunk, Jon Kellner, Sr., Bobby Trapper, Kenny Brightbill, GR Smith, Duane Howard, Mike Gular, Shawn Reimert, Joe Grammies, Sam Wescott, Jr. Brad Missimer, Kerry Kratz, Jimmy Horton, Billy Pauch, Frank Cozze, Ryan Godown, Kyle Strickler, Donnie Radd, Ricky Elliott, Jason Smythe, Kevin Hirthler, Jimmy Chester, Richie Pratt, Jr., Tom Hager. DNQ- - Donnie Keefer, Gary Hager, Tom Solderich, Donnie Erb, Rusty Smith, Vince Gagliaro, Patt Papiez, Amanda Spotts, Jimmy Reppert, Bucky Kell, Joe Dekutoski, Mike Iles, Shawn Merkel, Fritz Epright, John Keller, Jeff Ebersole, Tom Umbenhauer, Tom Hager, Mike Bailey, MeMe DeSantis, Scott Smith. Qualifying- - Modified heat race events were won by Ryan Godown, Kerry Kratz, Ricky Elliott and Frank Cozze as Jason Smythe and Mike Gular won the two consolation events. (45 Modifieds)