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NEAL OVER AIKEY IN FARLEY DOGFIGHTFarley Iowa After swapping the lead with points leader Jeff Aikey several times, Terry Neal emerged on top, taking home his first NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model feature win at the Farley Speedway on Friday July 27th. Cory Best took the early lead from the pole position, but quickly succumbed to the rush of second row starters Ace Ihm and Gary Webb. Racing two abreast every corner until a sixth lap caution, Ihm used his momentum along the top of the track to officially lead each lap by nosing ahead at the flagstand. The restart proved to be disastrous for Ihm when his car suddenly veered right in the third corner, making hard contact with the outside retaining wall. Ihm was extremely shaken but otherwise uninjured. With the leader dropping out of the race, Webb and Neal occupied the front row for the restart, with Aikey one row behind. Getting the better restart, Webb pulled one car length ahead as Neal and Aikey battled for the second spot, joined by Luke Merfeld in what turned out to be a four way scramble for the lead until the thirteenth circuit. Aikey and Neal were forced to take quick action and split the leader when Webb's car slowed with a flat left rear tire. Aikey assumed the lead for the restart, excaping any pressure for the lead until lap seventeen when Neal and Denny Eckrich both pulled within striking distance. The final eight laps proved to be a free for all as Neal assumed the lead on lap eighteen, gave it back to Aikey on lap twenty following a lap and a half doorhandle-to-doorhandle duel, retook the lead on the following lap when Aikey pushed up the track in the third turn and survived several attacks during the last three laps while Aikey kept searching the bottom of the racetrack for more speed. Eckrich had the best seat in the house for the incredible duel, staying two car lengths behind but in position to capitalize on any miscues by the leaders. Lapped traffic came into play on the final go around, affecting both Neal and Aikey but not changing the running order as Neal crossed underneath the checkers one car length ahead of Aikey, three car lengths ahead of Eckrich and well ahead of Merfeld and Ray Guss Jr in the fourth and fifth positions. Josh Vinnedge looked to be easily cruising to his first Modified feature win after taking control of the race on the opening lap, but was forced to retire from the race with four laps to go when his motor expired on the backstretch. Jed Hurst took over the lead on the restart and held on to his first win of the season ahead of Dan Chapman, Ryan Dolan, Russ Olson and Scott Nesteby. Ken Hanson scored his first Pro Stock feature win by leading every lap while the usual front runners fell by the wayside behind him. The race was red-flagged on the fourth lap when Dana Servoy rolled his machine coming out of the fourth corner, emerging from his racecar uninjured. Six laps later both Jeff Kennedy and John Maher retired with mechanical problems, setting up a five lap dash to the finish by putting Dan Shelliam and Jeff Valentine directly behind the leader. Neither car was able to challenge Hanson for the lead and the engaged in a fierce battle to the checkers, with Valentine edging out Shelliam. Bobby Moyer and Jeff Tharp rounded out the top five. TJ Leslein used patience in stalking leader Ed McIntyre, shadowing McIntyre's every move until two laps to go when he shot underneath to take home the Hobby Stock feature win. Jerry Merkes, Jim Turpin and Jeff Rienert rounded out the top five. Kelly Welter dominated the Fun Cars, crossing the line ahead of Chad Hallahan and Brad Strang. Regular racing action continues this Friday, August 3rd at the "Palace of Speed". Hot laps are scheduled for 7 pm with racing to follow. For more information contact Simmons Promotions at 563-744-3620 or online at www.simmonspromotionsinc.com. For raceday updates and quick results afterwards, call your local McLeod USA InTouch Directory, category 3740 and 3741. Late Models MODIFIEDS PRO STOCK BOMBER FUN CARS DNS |
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