MARIBEL, Wis. — Justin Ritchie held off Brett Swedberg and Brad Mueller to win The Diamond 41, the crown jewel of the DiscountShopTowels.comDirt Kings Late Model Tour, Tuesday night at 141 Speedway.
Ritchie made his first visit to the Mueller’s Sales & Service Victory Lane being crowned King and sitting in the King’s throne. Justin Reed took the early lead and led the first 14 laps until Swedberg charged Reed on the inside.
Swedberg continued to lead until the caution came out on lap 22.
On the restart, Swedberg pulled out to a straightaway wide margin over Ritchie, Reed, Mueller and Nick Anvelink. Caution slowed the field with just six laps remaining and Swedberg led the field to the green.
Reed regained the lead on the restart going into turn two, followed by Ritchie, Swedberg and Mueller.
Ritchie took the lead with just two laps to go after battling to the inside of Reed. Ritchie also had to survived a green-white-checkered finish to pick up his first DiscountShopTowels.com Dirt Kings Late Model Tour win.
Swedberg finished second, followed by Mueller, Troy Springborn, Reed and Nick Anvelink.
Ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz finished 20th.
The finish:
Justin Ritchie, Brett Swedberg, Brad Mueller, Troy Springborn, Justin Reed, Nick Anvelink, Mitch McGrath, Kyle Raddant, Tim Buhler, Justin Schmidt, Chris Engels, Paul Parker, David Jaeger, Tom Naeyaert, Joe Reuter, Joe Bongiorno, Ron Stroika, Taylor Scheffler, Jim Letizia, Donny Schatz, Ron Berna, Derek Janke.