American Racing News Vol 1, Issue 2 Issue 7 | Page 30

VAUGHT SHINES IN LARRY PHILLIPS MEMORIAL
Wheatland, Missouri (September 3, 2016) - When the
checkers flew on the 2016 edition of the Larry Philips
Memorial at Lucas Oil Speedway, it was all smiles for
the Will Vaught and his team.
Considering all of the success Vaught has had throughout his career, oddly enough, prior to Saturday, he had
never won a feature of any kind at the Wheatland,
Missouri track.
"Everything fell in place tonight," stated Vaught in
Andy's Frozen Custard Victory Lane. "About two
weeks ago we did this shock package and spring package for this place, because we haven't been so good in
the features. Tonight we had something there."

Vaught fired from ninth and noted how special it was
for him to win the race honoring Larry Phillips.
"Wow, the Larry Phillips Memorial, man that's one of
my idols when I was little," Vaught continued. "To win
that little trophy means more than about anything. "
From lap 13 to 37 however, it looked like a Jesse
Stovall runaway. He took command of the race from
Jason Papich, and led by over a straightaway, when he
had engine trouble and pulled off.
"I've been beat a lot leading laps like Jesse was,"
Vaught further elaborated. "He was setting a blistering
pace, he might have had the best car. I was trying to

bide my time, not saying I would have caught him. He
had heartbreak there."
Friday's Lakeside Speedway winner JC Wyman was
the top qualifier and started the feature from the
DirtOnDirt.com pole. He led the opening 10 circuits
before Jason Papich emerged from a fierce three way
battle, which included Stovall, with the lead.
Once Vaught took control at lap 38, he rolled on the
final 12 laps unchallenged. Josh Hughes quietly
worked his way forward after starting 13th. He ended
the night second. It marked Hughes' best finish in a
Lucas Oil MLRA series event.
"It feels really good," Hughes said to the crowd after
the race. "Lance Wright is here. He tuned it before I
went out, and it made a giant difference. I messed up
several times, but I'm happy with the run."
The race for third was intense late. It appeared Tim
Manville had it sewn up, but Wyman had one last push
and made his way back inside the top three.
"I wanted that podium finish," commented Wyman. "I
think the driver just decided to show up and drive the
rest of the year. We changed motors, and I think that
might have helped me be a little better."
Tim Manville settled for fourth, and Chase Junghans
was strong for the second night in a row. He completed
the top five.