Mike Ricci grabs second Modified win on WRWD Night

By FRANK CATIZONE 5/1/15

ACCORD, NY – Mike Ricci turned in another stellar performance last Friday as he raced to his second straight victory in the United Pump & Tank Modified 30-lap feature at the Accord Speedway on WRWD 107.3 Night.

However, Ricci’s triumph was far from easy as he turned in a classic battle with Jackie Brown Jr. The two drivers made contact with their cars in the first turn while racing for the lead as Ricci took command.

“We clipped each other with our cars, but it was just a racing incident,’’ said Ricci. “We were battling for the lead and it got a little intense. I nosed ahead of him off the fourth turn and he tried to get it back. I was able to pull away after that.’’

Ricci, who said he’s won as many as 18 features one season at Accord, was racing second behind Brown by the 13th lap when Corey Lowitt and Mark Pullen slowed action with an accident between the third and fourth turns.

Brown slowed to avoid the incident under caution and Ricci made contact with his car. Both Brown and Ricci became involved in the accident, but were given their spots back because it happened after the yellow flag flew.

That set the stage for the Brown-Ricci battle as the two drivers drove four intense laps around the quarter-mile bullring. Ricci found an opening around Brown off the fourth turn on the 16th circuit to grab first place.

Brown fought back entering the first turn as the two cars made contact, but Ricci stood his ground and assumed command down the backstretch. He then went on to open a big cushion to finish well ahead of Brown.

Rich Ricci Jr. followed in third place with Danny Tyler, Jeff Heotzler Sr., Scott Ferrier, Jerry Higbie, Joe Judge, Lowitt and Richard Smith rounding out the top 10.

Davey Werber slipped past Joe Giachinta off the fourth turn on the 24th lap and then went to to score his first win this season in the Escape RV Sportsman 25-lap main event.

Werber, who chased Giachinta throughout the race, moved to the inside to gain an edge of the turn as the finished ahead of Giachinta, Jesse Marks, Greg McCloskey and Ken Ferrier.

Brandon McGill started on the pole and led the entire distance as he captured the Healey Brothers Spec Sportsman 20-lap feature ahead of Nick Plumstead, Robbie Knipe, Ed Dachenhausen and Patrick Murphy.