From Jim Hanks
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisc. – Jimmy McCune of Toledo, Ohio survived a thrilling duel with JoJo Helberg to capture the inaugural round of the MustSee Nationals at Dells Raceway Park featuring the BIOBASED.US Xtreme Sprint Series on Saturday night. It was McCune’s first series victory of 2011.
McCune led from the outset of the 50-lap race, with immediate pressure from Helberg. Defending series champion Troy DeCaire dogged Helberg, with a bevy of side-by-side duels shaping up throughout the 21-car field.
The race was briefly halted on lap 35 when Brett Mann slid into the infield safety barriers exiting turn four and found himself precariously perched atop the structures. Mann was uninjured but was finished for the night.
The final stages of the race saw Helberg alongside McCune on several occasions. The leaders managed some tight encounters with lapped traffic, bringing the large crowd to their feet throughout the waning laps. McCune doggedly held on and led the way to the checkered, with Helberg a whisker behind to take the runner-up spot.
DeCaire held off a charging Ryan Litt to hold fourth, while fifth went to Jason Blonde. The second five consisted of Jeff Bloom, Travis Miniea, Jacob Wilson, Jason Cox, and Donnie Adams Jr.
Heat races were won by Jerry Caryer, Hank Lower, and Aaron Pierce. DeCaire’s 11.455-second clocking on Friday night was good for quick time, while Pierce won a special “Crack The Whip” feature on Friday as well.
The series makes a quick overnight trip to Rockford, Ill., where the MustSee Nationals concludes on Sunday night at the famed Rockford Speedway.
50-lap MustSee Nationals Feature Event: 1) Jimmy McCune, 2) JoJo Helberg, 3) Troy DeCaire, 4) Ryan Litt, 5) Jason Blonde, 6) Jeff Bloom, 7) Travis Miniea, 8) Jacob Wilson, 9) Jason Cox, 10) Donnie Adams Jr., 11) Dave Baumgartner, 12) David Gough, 13) Hank Lower, 14) Kyle Flint, 15) Mike Larrison, 16) Aaron Pierce, 17) Ron Koehler, 18) Buddy Luebke, 19) Brett Mann, 20) Jerry Caryer, 21) Tim Cox.
For more information visit www.mustseeracing.com.