CHAMP CARS RETURN TO THE GROVE

Windom Holds Off Clauson In 100 Lap Thiller

Story By: MIKE BAKER / RACERSGUIDE.COM STAFF WRITER            Photos By: DAN DEMARCO / RACERSGUIDE.COM

Mechanicsburg, PA – June 11, 2016 – On Friday night Williams Grove Speedway along with USAC held an historic race. From 1982 to 2015 Silver Crown has has been absent on the Cumberland county Paperclip. Last night they returned!

22 355ci, 15ft wheelbase cars invaded Williams Grove Speedway, including fan favorite Bryan Clauson. Along with the mighty Champ Cars the ARDC Midget tour was on the bill as well. A great night of doubleheader wingless action was in store.

CJ Leary set the nights quick time of 20.379. No heat races are ran in SilverCrown competition. Cars lined heads up for their 100 lap onslaught.

The Kid’ Billy Pauch, gave the command to start the engines and 21 cars rolled out onto the circuit to begin pace laps.

Leary and Grant led the field to the green flag. The early stages of the race saw quick green flag racing and a few yellows for cars spinning in 3 and 4. Williams Grove is the tightest configuration the cars will run on all year and if showed early. Drivers had to get comfortable behind the wheel and race the and not the competition.

With caution laps counting lap 29 Leary let the field to the green flag. This time Leary was the problem. Smoke billowing from the car as he tried to keep it up to speed. He would make it around to the first turn when the car stopped.

Justin Grant would inherit the lead. Kevin Windom quickly tracked down Grant. Taking the high side as the track came in seemed to be the line. Windom pounding the cushion and passes Grant for the lead. Meanwhile Bryan Clauson is on a tear. Started 16th and already up to 4th on lap 40.

With Windom on rails the fight was between Grant, Bacon and Clauson. It seemed as the pace dropped the drivers fell in a rhythm. With 30 laps to go and Clauson taking over the 2nd spot he still had to go track down Windom who had a straightaway led.

Then it was go time. The pace quickly revved up. Clauson has caught Windom with 10 to go.

Windom bobbled several times jumping the cushion. Clauson so close knocking on Windom’s door. 5 laps to go, fans on their feet.

White flag and Clauson goes low, Windom high. Again in turn 4, Clauson slide high and couldn’t secure the lead. Kevin Windom, victorious at Williams Grove Speedway.

With the amazing battle for the lead it was the Silver Crown point leader, Kody Swanson snuck home 3rd with a very consistent run.

The USAC Eastern Storm returns to action Saturday at Port Royal Speedway before wrapping up at Susquehanna Speedway on Sunday.

RACE NOTES

Williams Grove Speedway – Horn-Schindler Memorial 100

Full Results: (100 laps) 1. Chris Windom, 2. Bryan Clauson, 3. Kody Swanson, 4. Brady Bacon, 5. Justin Grant, 6. Mark Smith, 7. Casey Shuman, 8. Jerry Coons, Jr., 9. Steve Buckwalter, 10. Shane Cottle, 11. Austin Nemire, 12. Billy Puterbaugh, Jr., 13. David Byrne, 14. Dave Darland, 15. Shane Cockrum, 16. Chris Fetter, 17. Dave Berkheimer, 18. John Heydenreich, 19. Joe Liguori, 20. C.J. Leary, 21. Billy Pauch, Jr. 49:29.81