BECHTELSVILLE, Pa. – Brett Kressley started 16th and roared through the field to win Saturday’s 30-lap T.P. Trailers Modified NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts feature at Grandview Speedway.
Darrin Schuler grabbed the early lead in the modified feature after starting second in the 28-car lineup to set the pace trailed by Mark Levy, Eric Biehn, Richie Hitzler and Ryan Lilick.
The one and only caution period was brought out on the 11th lap by Jeff Strunk when he slowed with a flat right-rear tire. He was able to rejoin the field after a quick pit stop. On the restart Biehn shot past Schuler to become the new pacesetter. The battle for positions behind him was soon hot and heavy between Lilick, Kressley, Schuler and Hitzler.
Lap cars entered the picture around the 22nd circuit which made Biehn use caution to get around them. This situation allowed Kressley to close the distance and overtake second from Lilick on the 24th lap.
One lap later the lead changed for the third time with Kressley at the head of the pack.
Kressley never looked back once he gained control and was in the winner’s circle for the third time. Coming on strong at the end was runner-up and former point champion Mike Gular. Biehn and Lilick finished third and fourth for their best finishes with Doug Manmiller coming home in fifth.
The 25-lap T.P. Truck Equipment NASCAR Sportsman feature was decided in the closing stages also. Ryan Beltz kept edging his way to the front and with two laps remaining he passed Steve Young for the lead and went on to capture his first win of the season. Beltz became the 10th different winner of the season in the Sportsman division.
Erik Whitby led all 15 laps of the Excel 600 modified feature and crossed the line first, but was later disqualified. The win was most likely awarded to runner-up Jon Josko but as the speedway emptied Excel officials hadn’t officially declared who the winner was.