By Tom Gianinni

(NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL) A full moon was out as ASRS competitors rolled into New Smyrna last night. 25 drivers showed up for the 125 lap event which meant everyone was able to make the show. The color of the night was yellow as the race was slowed 13 times for 64 laps. As time trials came to an end, Alan Young found himself on the pole. Taking to Young’s outside was Bradley Cross, followed by Beau McGuire, Jonathan Holstein and Zachary Bozanich.

Track position was the name of the game that followed as the lead drivers did not duck down pit road for fresh tires even once. Conditions made for difficult passing as Zachary Bozanich and Bradley Cross took their turns leading a combined 116 laps. All Ty Hester would need to lead was 9 laps in his victory. His victory was not without fireworks as he had made contact with several cars throughout the race.

Tempers were hot after the race as several drivers were upset with Hester. Jim Foose was sent spinning by Hester; we reached out to Foose for comment after the race: “We needed a good finish tonight and Hester took that away from us, I think we could have won this race but he dumped us and ruined that chance. It’s a miracle we fought back to finish 5th with the ASRS Dirt Racing Series Chevrolet tonight.” Foose was not the only driver visibly upset with Hester at the end of the night. We also reached out for comment from Jared Mogard who was not as fortunate to rally for a top 5 as he finished a disappointing 18th: “We had a good run, finally carrying momentum from yesterday’s Xfinity race. We were 2nd riding behind our teammate Zach and the #36 just drove in over his head and wrecked us. Tough deal but we’ll be back next week. Just have to thank my sponsors Maxxed Out, Mountain Dew, Club Midwest and Maxxed Out Motors.”

When asked in Victory Lane, Hester was thrilled with his victory but disappointed in the manner it came about: “Getting the win tonight and taking over the unofficial points lead always makes a night great. This one is really overshadowed by what I had to do to get there. Early on in the race, I got into the #42 and turned him around. Then later on got into the left door of the #01 and turned him making a pass. Definitely didn’t want to do any of that. Ready to move onto Daytona next week.” Zachary Bozanich finished 2nd, followed by Bradley Cross, Allan Young and Jim Foose.

With Michael Atkins Jr. and Danny Rodgers not making the trip down to New Smyrna, the door was wide open for Hester to jump up 4 positions and assume the points lead over Jared Mogard. Alan Young also jumped 4 positions to assume 3rd. Tom Giannini would remain in 4th place as mechanical issues ended his night when his car jumped out of gear. Rodgers and Atkins now round out the top 6. The Skeeber Flob’s Kettle Corn Pro-Series rolls into Daytona next week for some super speedway racing.