CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — Tuesday of the second week of Western Nationals featured the Gene Freeman Memorial Pit Crew Challenge plus a non-points main event for hobby stocks.
Both competitions paid $1,000 to win at Central Arizona Raceway.
The pit crew changes the right rear tire after their car parks on the designated location. Once the tire is changed the driver races one lap to complete the task which is timed from parking on the starting spot to finishing one lap.
Modifieds, stock cars and sport mods were eligible for the pit crew contest.
Dylan Thornton and his pit crew were the fastest with 49.538 seconds to change a right rear and run a lap.
The 40-lap hobby stock race was aligned by draw and started 21 cars.
Scott Tenney and Darrin Biggs were the lucky front row starters, but it was Dillon Richards who quickly established a large lead and dominated the race.
Following a yellow Blake Luinenburg was able to pressure Richards but didn’t quite make a pass. A side-by-side drive through turn four on the final lap produced drama Richards maintained the lead.
Following Richards across the line were Luinenburg and Morgan Olmstead.
Wednesday night, the first of four consecutive nights of Pitt Stop Motorsports IMCA.tv Western Nationals will feature five IMCA divisions with mod lites replacing sport compacts.
SPEED SPORT affiliate IMCA.tv will provide all the coverage.
