HENDRICKSON REBOUNDS FOR BIG PAYDAY AT NES
Veteran campaigner Wade Hendrickson took command of the thirty lap modified feature early and never looked back taking the big win on Little League/Jeep Night. Mechanical issues plagued the Michael Brothers Racing #51M the past two outings after a strong fourth place finish in the season opener, but the Lawrenceville driver had the preferred line around the well manicured Route 539 oval to win his first of the young season. Rookie Kevin Borden led the field of twenty four on lap one, but it was the "Flying Farmer" who quickly made his move, taking over the top spot on lap two. Running the best race of his young modified career, Ryan Godown Jr slipped into second on lap four as Borden was filling the number three slot. The race within the race was shaping up for third as Louden Reimert, Ryan Godown, and Danny Bouc were ow sitting on Godown Jr's rear bumper with Hendrickson holding a small but comfortable lead. A spinning Bryan Kuhl brought out the first caution flag of the event on lap fourteen as Steve Davis sat in turn four with a broken axle on the McClinton #5D. Godown Jr. found the restart not to his liking as the second generation driver fell to fifth with Reimert, Godown, and Bouc now running in positions two thru four. The trio continued to edge closer to Hendrickson, and with the caution flag flying on lap twenty four, the stage was now set for a wild finish. Putting his many years of experience to work, Hendrickson was able to outrun Reimert to remain in the lead as current point leader Godown sat in second with five laps to go. Looking for a groove in which to make his move and record his third win of the season, the door never opened for the Ringoes driver as Hendrickson was flawless bringing the K & A Excavating/CURE Auto Insurance, Michael Dow Electric sponsored machine home for the well deserved win and with it a check for $3,000. Reimert and Bouc crossed the line in third and fourth, with defending champ Brandon Grosso fifth driving the Krachun backup car. Jim Housworth, Sammy Martz Jr., Godown Jr., Billy Pauch Jr., and Matt Stangle rounded out the top ten.
Harry Meeks Sr. Photo
In the twenty lap Crate Sportsman 602 main event, it was Stephen Kemery scoring his first career win at the Plumsted Township oval. It appeared as though pole sitter Ryan Simmons would run away with the event, but on lap eleven the car slowed due to mechanical issues ending a solid outing. Young David Miloszar became the new leader and appeared to have the situation well under control, but Kemery made a few bold moves to take the lead on lap fifteen and the eventual win. David Burns, defending champion Joe Toth, and Joe Brown rounded out the top five.
Harry Meeks Sr. Photo
Brenden Hires looked quite impressive in his 2023 debut, taking the lead on lap eight and going on to win the NEWS twenty lap feature. Defending champion Mick D'Agostino finished second with Rich Mellor third, early leader Stan Ploski III fourth, and Shea Wills fifth.
Jim Brown Photo
It was Spider Ensinger Jr. who drove one of the strongest races of his career to win the fifteen lap Street Stock main event. Taking the lead on lap four, Ensinger Jr. paced himself throughout the event finishing four car lengths ahead of Vern McLaughlin. Chris Lane crossed the finish line in third with Bill Liedtka fourth, and TJ Hewitt fifth.
Jim Brown Photo
Ryan Maher won the eight lap Flemington Department Stores Crate Rookie feature. The win was his second of the year. Tim Franks was second followed by Issac Elsner, Zach Cook, and Jason Dipretore.
Next up on the schedule will be another big program featuring the Modifieds, Crate Sportsman 602, NEWS, 4- Cylinders, Crate Rookies, and Factory Stocks. Racing action begins at 6 PM.