WINCHESTER, Ind. — Disappointment for Chase Pinsonneault resulted in jubilation for Albert Francis in the Winchester 100.
Pinsonneault set fast time Friday for the final race on the JEGS All Stars Tour season and started from the pole position following the redraw.
The Canadian driver jumped into the lead at the start and maintained the lead through seven caution periods turning back challenges from Kasey Kleyn, Brandon Oakley, Stephen Nasse and Chris Shannon.
It appeared that Pinsonneault was headed toward his first victory at Winchester and second on the season when the final caution flag waved on lap 93 when James Krueger made contact with the back straight wall.
Coming to the restart Pinsonneault’s car came to a stop entering turn one after running out of fuel and was pushed back to the pit area.
That put Francis on the point, who had started sixth, overcoming a spin on lap 16 to remain in contention.
By the mid-point Francis was running in the top five and a late race charge saw him in the second spot for the final restart.
Francis scored his first career win with the series by less than a second over 2025 champion Billy VanMeter and JP Crabtree.the Champion Racing Association.
“We definitely wanted to get a win,” Francis said in victory lane. “To get it at Winchester makes it special.”
VanMeter said his team worked hard all year to secure his first title.
Crabtree, a regular competitor in the Hoosier State, said the third place finish was a good run for the team.
“We’re a small team, so this means a lot for us,” he said.
It was a tough night for several contenders including Carson Brown, who set fast time during qualifying.
Brown battled a rear suspension problem early in the contest and on lap 29 spun on the front straight after contact with Crabtree.
Oakley’s night ended on lap 35 after brushing the turn two wall.
The finish:
1) Albert Francis; 2) Billy VanMeter; 3) JP Crabtree; 4) Jon Beach; 5) Chris Shannonl 6) Will Kimmel; 7) Stephen Nasse; 8) Chase Pinsonneault; 9) Billy Hayes; 10) Avery Demland; 11) Will Sahutske; 12) James Kruegerl 13) Brandon Oakley; 14) Carson Brown; 15) Kasey Kleyn; 16) Jared Smith; 17) Curt Dickie
