From Selinsgrove Speedway
Selinsgrove, PA — (April 19, 2014) — Mark Smith of Tower City, PA made short work of a thirty-one car field of 360 sprints cars as the Rislone URC Sprint Series opened their sixty-seventh season Saturday night at the Selinsgrove Speedway in Selinsgrove, PA.
Smith led the entire twenty-five lap distance after receiving the pole position from Mike Walter in the “revenge redraw”. On lap seventeen, Burlington, NJ driver Robbie Stillwaggon took advantage of a caution flag to restart along-side Smith for a double-file restart. At the drop of the green, Smith dominated the restart and quickly opened an eight car length lead over Stillwaggon who started tenth. Smith took the win driving the Brian Scandle owned MACH1 sprinter and pocket the $2,500 first place prize. For Smith, it was his first URC win of the season and sixth career URC victory.
The three heat race events were won by Will Eggiman, Mike Walter and TJ Stutts as Jason Shultz won the “B” Main.
Mark Smith earned the pole starting position in URC’s very unique “revenge redraw”, where the top three drivers in the three heats drew for the top nine starting positions in the feature event. The only twist is with the “revenge redraw”, the number a driver draws, he must then give that number to anyone of the remaining eight drivers. In tonight’s case, it was Mike Wagner who drew the pole and handed it off to Mark Smith.
At the drop of the green flag to start the 25 lap feature, Smith immediately took control of the lead. Before the first lap was completed, the caution was displayed for Colby Womer who tangled with the backstretch wall.
On the restart, Smith took the lead and quickly checked out from the rest of the field. Josh Weller driving the Ken Eldreth sprinter followed in second with Ryan Kissinger in third. As Smith dominated the race at the front of the pack, all eyes were on Robbie Stillwaggon who started tenth and was on a mission to get to the front of the pack to challenge Smith.
Stillwaggon was a one man show racing in fifth on lap three and advancing to fourth by lap eight. On lap twelve, Stillwaggon was third and still digging for more.
As the field passed for the halfway sign, Smith had a commanding lead with Stillwaggon in second followed by Josh Weller, Ryan Kissinger and Davie “no panic” Franek.
The turning point of the race came on lap seventeen when Josh Weller spun in turn one, displaying the yellow flag. For URC’s restart procedure, between laps thirteen and twenty-three, and restarts are double-file with lap cars going to the rear. For this restart, Stillwaggon now pulled alongside of Mark Smith as the duo will charge out of turn four to take the green.
Smith had the jump but Stillwaggon dropped to the bottom of turn one and nosed ahead of Smith momentarily. Charging off turn two, Smith put his foot to the floor and quickly established a four to five car length lead. With five laps remaining, Smith, Stillwaggon and Kissinger made up the top three.
Stillwaggon made every attempt to reel in the leader, but the Mach1 Chassis of Mark Smith will not be challenged on this night.
With the checker flag waiving, Mark Smith took the win with ease and a well-deserved second place finish went to Robbie Stillwaggon. Ryan Kissinger finished third with Davie Franek fourth and Larry Kelleher fifth. Making up the top ten were Mike Walter, Derek Locke, Pat Cannon, Randy West and TJ Stutts.
HEAT Winners: Will Eggiman, Mike Walters, TJ Stutts
B Main Winner: Jason Shultz
Fred’s Trailer Parts Hard Charger: Andy Best (advanced 12 spots)
FEATURE FINISH: Mark Smith, Robbie Stillwaggon, Ryan Kissinger, Davie Franek, Larry Kelleher, Mike Walter, Derek Locke, Pat Cannon, Randy West, TJ Stutts, Andy Best, Jason Shultz, Mark Bitner, Kevin Darling, Duane Mausteller, Eric Riggins Jr., Josh Weller, Will Eggiman, Dan Mazy, Brian Carber, Curt Michael, Brock Zearfoss, Jason Clauss, Colby Womer. DNQ Troy Betts, Ed Aikin, Darek Steward, Scott Lutz, Jonathan Swanson, Brad Franks, Cody Keller.