WHEATLAND, Mo. – Jason Pursley has long been one of the most consistent drivers at Lucas Oil Speedway.
On Saturday Pursley was finally able to celebrate a long-sought trip to victory lane.
Pursley expertly handled numerous restarts Saturday night, including a two-lap sprint at the finish, to earn his first Pitts Homes USRA Modified feature victory in several seasons.
He earned $1,000 for the triumph.
“It’s been a long time. I don’t know how many years since I won, but a long time,” Pursley said in victory lane.
Pursley officially started inside of row two, but was elevated to the front when pole-starting Colson Kirk spun out after the race went green and the caution came out. Pursley took advantage by jumping to the lead when the race restarted.
He opened up a three-second lead when the race’s fourth caution came out on lap seven. Brian Green moved into second on the restart with Jon Sheets working his way from 10th to third and Chase Domer fourth.
Following the sixth caution, on lap 18, officials made the call to shorten the event by five laps due to time of the event. That meant a two-lap shootout with Pursley leading Green and Domer.
Pursley, as he did throughout, was flawless on the restart. The Skyline-Urbana R-1 Elementary School Principal finished about five car lengths in front of Green with Domer in third and Shawn Whitman fourth.
The veteran driver from nearby Hermitage was greeted by cheers as he emerged from his car and then a hug from car owner Tom Campbell.
“First I have to thank Tom Campbell. He owns everything,” Pursley said. “Without him, I couldn’t do it. I have to thank all my sponsors and my son, Dayton Pursley. He works on it all the time. And I thank my family, especially my Mom who is my biggest supporter.
“A shout-out to the track guys. They had a heck of a time today. They worked all day and now they have to work all week to put it back. Hats off to those guys.”
Also earning feature wins were Todd Shute (Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models), Aaron Poe (O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Stocks), Eric Turner (Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods) and James Redus (special guest class Street Stocks).