EAST MOLINE, Ill. — The choice paid off for Jake Neal.
The Omaha, Neb., hotshoe decided the top side was the best way around East Moline Speedway. He sped by race long leader Jason Hahne with 10 laps to go and won the SLMR Hoker Trucking East Series Late Model 25-lap feature Sunday evening.
“It had been a rough weekend. We almost went home,” Neal said. “I’m glad the guys talked me into staying and we ended up here.”
Hahne slowed and clipped the front stretch wall with two laps to go and ended his night. Jonathan Brauns ended up second, followed by Dave Eckrich, Spencer Diercks and Justin Kay.
A full Memorial Day Weekend of SLMR action topped off with 27 teams in action.
Travis Denning took the early advantage and cruised to the J&J Camper Sales IMCA Modified 20-lap finale, stopping Brandon Durbin’s two race win streak to start the season. Durbin, Steve Gustaf, Mike Garland and Anthony Guss followed.
Logan Veloz made it two straight in the Legacy Corporation IMCA SportMods, taking the 15-lap feature. He also was the third leader of the caution-filled event, beating Doug Burkhead, Shane Paris, Will Wolf and Trey Grimm.
Rob Nylin took charge of the Dynamic Power Street Stock 15 lapper early and held off multiple challenges for a popular win. Rob Henry, Kyler Hickenbottom, Alex Pappas and Veronica Anderson came next.
Nick Proehl jumped from the front row and paced all 12 laps of the Riverbend Pizza Place Sport Compact main. Cyle Hawkins, Travis Hawkins, Dustin Begyn and Drew Wise followed.
Bart Miller passed his niece Emily Meyer on the last lap to win the 12-lap American Iron Racing Series ender. Tyler Maschmann, Doak Allen and Justin Stock followed.
A total of 102 cars were in the pits and the final checkered flag fell before 10 p.m.