PETERSEN MEDIA
– Torrential downpours delayed the final day of the 41st Annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup to August 30th, and Shane Stewart currently sits sixth in points after an impressive run from 15th on Friday night, one night after getting a flat while leading the feature.
Having a rollercoaster speedweek leading up to Dirt Cup, Stewart looked to be on the right track at the prestigious event early in the evening on Thursday night.
Starting the feature in the eight spot, Stewart quickly motored his Doyle’s Harley Davidson/Lucas Oil Products/FK Rod Ends backed machine into the second spot as he chased down early leader, Jason Solwold.
Stewart was able to slide up in front of Solwold coming out of turn four on the ninth lap, and began to motor away to a very sizable lead, as it didn’t look like anyone would have anything for him.
Navigating his Finley Farms/Blackwell Consolidation/Pro Bilt Construction through lapped traffic, Stewart led until the 20th lap, when a flat left rear tire forced him to slow, and bring out the caution.
Stewart would restart but was then involved in a minor wreck, and he would be scored in the 21st position and sat 15th in points after the first night.
“Paul Silva gave me a great car tonight, and unfortunately we had some tire trouble that took us out of contention,” Stewart explained. “We’ve had some rough luck all week long, and I’m really hoping it is behind us.”
Friday night saw Stewart continue to show the same dominating speed as he opened up the night by timing in with the fastest lap of the 37 entrants during time trials, gaining very valuable points.
Lining up 15th in the feature, passing would be crucial for Stewart and his Wesmar/A.R.T./Palmero Properties machine as passing points would be awarded for overall points.
Passing is just what Stewart did as he ran the tip-top of the slicked off Skagit Speedway as he navigated all the way up to the second spot where he began closing in on the leader, Travis Rilat.
Stewart would pull up to the rear of Rilat’s machine, but would not be able to get around him, and settled for the second spot.
“This car has been fast every night, and it’s nice to get a solid finish after last night (Thursday) and the entire week,” Stewart said.
Following Friday’s showing Stewart sat sixth in points heading into the final night where he would compete in the A scramble for a last shot to acquire points before the finale.
Unfortunately Mother Nature showed her hand in Saturday, and Sunday and the finale is now scheduled for August 30th.
The Silva Motorsports team thanks Lucas Oil Products, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, Pro Bilt Construction, Palmero Properties, Finley Farms, Car and Fleet, FK Rod Ends, OMP Racing, Wesmar Racing Engines, , Shift Creative, Amerikote, XYZ, Hoosier Tire, Pro, Banshee Graphics, Dan Olson Products, K&N Filters, RE Technologies, Weld, Schoenfeld Headers, Butlerbuilt Seats, Vortex Wings, CP Pistons, Cometic Gaskets, Huggins Cams BR Ignitioneering, Blackwell Consolidation, and Petersen Media for their partnership in 2012.
ON TAP: Stewart will no return to the 3G Racing machine and compete with the NRA in Lima, OH on Friday June 22nd.
STAY CONNECTED: For all of the latest news on Shane Stewart visit his website at www.shanestewart.com or become a fan of his on facebook at www.facebook.com/ShaneStewartRacing.