By Tom Giannini

(IRWINDALE, CA) At this time last year, Irwindale Speedway was threatened with the prospect of closing its doors. Last night the Southern California track played host to the ASRS Kirkwood Transportation Super Late Model Home Tracks Series. Points leader Jared Mogard came into the event with a 43 point lead over Allan Young. Tim Knott (-43), Jim Foose (-44), and Tom Giannini (-59) all entered the event with a foot inside the top 5. Allan Young would not enter the Irwindale event which guaranteed he would cede the second spot to another driver.

Tom Giannini, fresh off his second place finish last week, would ride momentum to the pole. Series newcomer Jeremiah Vincent flanked him on the outside pole followed by Jordan Harnish, Jared Mogard and Tuesday Night SMC Truck Series winner Evan Black.
The race would start out poorly for the outside pole sitter and points leader as Vincent and Mogard were both involved in a lap 2 wreck while racing hard to find spots in the preferred outside groove. Harnish would take the lead from Giannini on the ensuing restart.
Harnish would not look back until a series of late race restarts put second place, Tom Giannini, close enough to strike.

On two separate restarts, Harnish would best Giannini and maintain the lead. Harnish crossed the line the winner with Giannini earning his second consecutive runner-up finish. Giannini’s teammate Jim Foose finished third followed by Jordan Harnish’s teammate Jason Stewart in fourth. Jared Mogard would rebound to finish the night in the 5th position. His 5th place finish ensured he would maintain a 42 point margin over now second place Jim Foose. Tim Knott(-50), Tom Giannini (-56) and Allan Young (-71) are your current top 5 as the series rolls into the season’s penultimate race at Richmond Raceway.