Kevin Casper grabbed the lead directly from the pole, dueled Bobby Pelland III at the outset and won the lead by nosing slowly ahead. Pelland elected to drop in as Kyle Casper followed in third. It was the beginning of a long run to the first caution at mid-race and Pro Stocks joined the confrontation with the green flag racing. Dave Darling, Rick Martin, Angelo Belsito, Mike Brightman and Fred Astle all lined up and headed for the front as Kevin ran at the front.
The Caspers, with Pelland between them, set a torrid pace as Darling kept on their bumpers and Belsito and Martin dueled. Astle was up to Radical Rick’s bumper and Brightman was on his.
Darling looked under Kyle and moved in. Belsito came loose in turn four on lap nine but made a masterful save and did not lose a spot in the order. By now, Kevin was u by two cars over Pelland, who had 30 cars on the field. Behind them, Darling, Kyle, Belsito and Brightman battled for position.
Astle started around Ryan Lineham on lap 14 while at the front, Casper was leading Pelland by four cars. Darling had shaved the lead down to about 20 cars. Belsito followed with Martin on his back followed by Kevin and Brightman. Freddy was still working on Lineham’s high side. By lap 23, Astle was edging past but Lineham was giving him everything he had.
Lap 24 saw the first caution as Kyle spun in turn four. Kevin Folan and Kyle immediately headed pitside and returned for the restart.
On the green, Kevin nosed out on Pelland and they dueled for position. Darling was working under Belsito, Martin followed and Astle dueled Brightman for position. Another lap, and they were still fighting for position.
By lap 30, Casper was solidly in the lead again, and Darling was working past Pelland into second. Pelland was beginning to give way. By lap 31, Belsito was following Darling with Martin and Astle in pursuit. Kevin was again running hard and had worked out a half straight lead over Belsito and Darling who were debating second. Belsito was all over Darling while Martin was doing the same to him and Astle was moving in.
With three to go, Belsito went to Darling’s high side and they dueled intently over second place. But the laps were short ahead and the fight was desperate. Belsito was able to get his nose past and claimed second at the stripe.
Darling, Martin and Astle completed the top five.
Tom Scully nabbed sixth, followed by Brightman, Pelland, Jake Vanada, Dick Houlihan and Lineham.
PRO STOCKS
CASPER GOES GREEN TO CHECKERS
GETS LONG OVERDUE WIN