The weather couldnt have been planned any better for the 2nd Annual Ice Breaker at I-96 Speedway. The new Ultimate Champions Late Model Series presented by Nesmith Chevrolet was introduced and Rick Stout brought the package to it’s first victory. Bry Sloan graduated into the Late Model Series tonight and appeared strong on the first heat until a brake failure caused a troubled night. Bry explained “They’re sweet... everybody thought they would be slow, but they definently pull. They’re holding and you can definently throw it in there.”
Bill Trueblood jumped out into the lead with Rick Stout, Jim Fairbanks and Kris Patterson chasing. On lap 15 Stout used a lapped car as a pick and slipped by Trueblood into the lead and than Trueblood spun out in turn 4 to bring out the yellow flag. On the restart Stout pulled away and left the pack to battle for second.
After the race, Bill Trueblood Jr. raved about the cars “I really like it, the package is really good, plus it’s economical, especially with the economy it is going to catch on out here.”
The Main Event was the UMP Modified Special and was full of excitment. It seemed like Mark Anderson was going to drive away with the win and had a five-second lead at one point, until his engine broke.
On the restart Feutz had to hold off Marc Kurth and Troy Marciniak who had worked his way up from 11th starting spot. On lap 21 Marciniak broke causing the finale yellow flag. From there Feutz held on to win.
Following the race, Todd Feutz praised the sportsmanship of his friend and competitor Marc Kurth. “The only reason we won is because the #00 (Marc Kurth), this is a big win for us this year.” Fuetz, the two-time track champ suffered numerous mechanical problems during practice and the heat races and found help in the form of parts and effort from The #00 race team.
Tonight’s action also included a wreck that resulted in a multi-flipped race car. If tonight’s events are a prelude to the 2009 season, then we should expect the most exciting year, yet for I-96 Speedway.
Kevin Crawford won the Street Stock feature on the newly configured 3/8th mile track in a three wide photo finish over AJ Ward and Cody Denny.
It was the first live racing action on the 3/8th mile track and reports from the drivers and crew were that the surface held up very well.
The Mini Sprint feature saw Derek Donaldson with the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene Hard Luck moment of the night. On Lap 14, Double D’s sprinter got a little out of shape and went on a series of high hard flips. I-96 Speedway Pit Stewart Eric Slade said the young man was shaken but okay.
Ronald Brown won the Mini Sprint feature.
John Primm won the Road Beaters feature.
Fan in the stands Matt Rose said “It was a great night of racing, plus we saw lots of improvements to the facility as well. Mike and everyone involved did an awesome job.”
Plan on the World of Outlaws Sprint cars on Saturday May 30
