Clauson Bounces Back From Last Chance Showdown To Cashing In At Grandview
Story By: MIKE BAKER / RACERSGUIDE.COM STAFF WRITER Photos By: DAN DEMARCO /RACERSGUIDE.COM
BECHTELSVILLE, PA – June 9, 2016 – The stars of the USAC National Sprint tour rolled into the Keystone state to kickoff the 2016 Eastern Storm Tuesday night in a Thunder On The Hill promotion. 30 wingless sprints packed the pit area all to contend for a $6,000 Jesse Hockett Classic victory.
Coming off a huge wave of momentum during Indiana Midget Week, Bryan Clauson was ready to tackle the Pennsylvania dirt. Clauson who was crown midget week champion also picked up 6 non USAC sprint wins during midget week. “It’s always a lot of fun to come out to Pennsylvania.” Clauson said. “It’s a fun place here and with 40 laps it moves around so much.”
The track was difficult to pass early during heat races. Boespflug, Darland, Windom and Ballou all picked up heat wins. Clauson and Brady Bacon both had to resort to using the nights B-Main to transfer in.
Third generation racer, Jarett Andretti and PA native, Tony DiMattia lead the field around Grandview Speedway as fans stood up waving their hats and cheering. The storm was about to start rumbling. Kevin Thomas Jr jumps to and early lead from 4th and led the initial 7 laps.
Mellenberdt brought out a yellow on lap 8 stoping in turn 2. The field would regroup, breath and adjust. Green flag and Andretti was on a mission. Thomas Jr and Andretti began throwing sliders corner by corner. Andretti sneaks by with a slight lead on the backstretch, Thomas Jr nerfs him, Andretti returns the favor coming off 4 and takes the lead.
Meanwhile Clauson and Ballou are challenging each other for position. Clauson climbs to 3rd from 7th. Andretti begins to fade. Bryan Clauson slides him and takes off. Shane Cottle stops and brings a yellow out after contact with Golobic. 12 laps to go in the Jesse Hockett Classic.
Clauson, Andretti, Thomas Jr, Meseraull and Ballou bring the field to the green flag with 12 circuits remaining.
Track beginning to take rubber after a racey start. Clauson pulls away. Andretti runs high in efforts to make something happen. Thomas Jr and Windom get by Andretti on the bottom.
Bryan Clauson is closing into lap traffic, white flag. He continued a low line throughout the final lap and captures the $6,000 payday.
“We could run high or low and that helped us move to the front” Clauson stated. “You had to be searching, moving and on your toes for all 40 laps”
The battles on track made a incredible race and Clauson alluded to the battles. “It makes it fun and a great race, 3 and 4 wide.”
