 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
I
T
E
S
E
A
R
C
H
career firsts at Sandusky's Hy-Miler
The racing action was as hot as the temperatures as a great field of ISMA
SuperModifieds and WSoA Sprints packed the pits for the 29th Annual Hy-Miler
at Sandusky Speedway. The 90 plus degree temperatures didn't stop the fans
from showing either as the speedway was as filled to the brim with fans anxious
to see some great racing. There was lots of beer, speed, and passing as the
fans was treated to another great race by the wicked fast winged warriors. As
usual, we found a great place to sit, and was even blessed to sit by some
rowdy Canadians that love to drink beer (their picture is at the right). I don't
know how we always end up beside folks like this, but hey, I ain't bitchin'. It
must be fate. These guys were great, and they did email me back and I hope
to catch up with them again. O' Canada, we'll drink again!
The World Series of Asphalt Sprinters started the night's feature action with
Mike McVetta dominating the 25 lap event. After a lap 24 caution, Jeff Banyas
did apply the pressure on the last lap, but McVetta was too fast on this
evening, winning his first feature of the season. He picked a good one to win
too. In victory lane McVetta said "The car really hooked up, it drove me around
the track". Congratulations to Mike McVetta and crew on a spectacular win.
Next out was the ISMA Supers, and a great field on 26 cars was on hand for
the 100 lap Hy-Miler Wirtgen 100. Mike Ordway and Nokie Fornoro brought the
field down to the green with Ordway taking the early lead. The racing action
back in the field was furious, as Chris Perley and Bobby Santos tore their way
through the field. Fornoro took the lead from Ordway on lap 25, but Mike
Lichty was hot on his trail and eventually passed Fornoro on lap 44. Lichty
appeared to have this one in the bag as he kept a few lapped cars between
him and the second place car of Chris Perley. But on lap 77, Lichty and
teammate Dave McKnight almost made contact in turns three and four, allowing
Perley to close the gap. Then while going into turn three on lap 85, Lichty
drove in too hard and slid up the track, giving Perley the opportunity he was
patiently waiting for. From there on out, Perley went on to win his record sixth
win in a row in the ISMA series, continuing his dominance in the series. This
was also Perley's first Hy-Miler win. Following Perley to the stripe was Mike
Lichty, Nokie Fornoro, Bobby Santos, and Lou Cicconi. Santos, who has been
tearing up the USAC circuit, started 23rd and came home with a top 5 finish.
As for Lichty, he was obviously disappointed with second, telling the crowd after
the race his brakes were going away. It was apparent something went wrong
with Lichty's car as he was not nearly as fast as he was for the first 85 circuits.
If his brakes didn't go away, I'm not quite sure Perley would have won. Lichty
did hold off Nokie Fornoro for second, as Fornoro had his hands full with
Santos.
Overall, this was a great evening of racing. There was so much passing
and side by side action I actually had to pick and choose which battle to watch.
It's a shame that the SuperModifieds don't have a bigger following, as they put
on some of the best racing I have ever seen. Even ex-supermodifed ace Doug
Saunier said "This sport just doesn't get the recognition it deserves, that's why
we struggle to get young talent into the series". The ISMA series will return to
Mansfield Motorsports Park on August 11th and 12th for the Summer
Spectacular. If you have never seen these cars race, I highly recommend
taking in this show. I hope to see you there. -Bentfenders
Message Board
on race clips and save target as.
