By: TIM BALTZ – HOGANSBURG, NY – It has been a great season with several different drivers making it to victory lane across the five divisions at the Mohawk International Raceway. As we close in on the middle of the year some drivers have yet to win this year and they know it’s time to get going.
Tim Fuller became the 5th different winner in five races in the Twin Leaf Stores 358 Modified division. After a spirited battle with invader and five-time track champion Billy Dunn Fuller held on to win round number two of the MIR 358 Modified Series. Drivers like Lance Willix, Brian McDonald, Matt Woodruff, Louie Jackson Jr. and Carey Terrance have not been to victory lane, but have shown strong finishes throughout the season. They’ll all be up on the wheel looking for that checkered flag.
In Crossroads Tobacco Sportsman Shane Pecore has been the driver to beat. After a pair of wins to start the year consistency has kept him atop the leader board but after getting his 2nd win in a row Thomas Cook has become a threat for the title. Zach Arquiett has used consistency to hang on to 2nd in the standings, Cedric Gauvreau continues his strong start to the year currently 4th in the standings while defending champion Brianna Ladouceur, who has one win and a pair of runner up finishes, completes the top 5.
Gavin Riddell became the first two-time winner in the Novice Sportsman ranks one week ago as he outran Jonathan Rush to the checkered flag. With two wins this year and one win the previous season, Riddell now has the opportunity to test his talents in the Crossroads Tobacco division leaving drivers like Deric Ellsworth, Dan Reif, Jonathan Rush Joshua Pete and a host of others ready to take over the win column.
In Mod Lite action in 2019 Nick Mallette is the only driver with a pair of victories, however the man atop the leader board may have only one win but has been a model of consistency. Kevin Foster picked up the opening day win but since then has tallied 4 consecutive runner up finishes including the Can Am Mod Lite Series race on June 21st. Foster will look to end that streak with a win on Friday night.
The Bandit class has seen three different drivers claim a win but two drivers have stood out above the rest, as they continue to make headlines. Matt Zira and Francis White have won an impressive 5 of the last 6 races with Zira being the driver to beat having won the last three in a row. White will try to even the score.
If you want to know who wins this week, the best way is to buy a ticket and grab a good seat for this coming Friday night at 7:30pm. All five divisions will be ready for action and a reminder once again to all Canadian fans that Canadian Money will be accepted at par at the main gate only. Remember to grab a receipt on the way through the toll booth to get a free bridge pass.
For points, results and everything going on at the speedway, be sure to check out our website at mohawkintlraceway.com. Also be sure to give us a follow on Facebook and Twitter.