BECHTELSVILLE, Pa. — Jeff Strunk stormed from the 14th starting position to steal the NASCAR 358 Modified feature at the Levan Machine & Truck Equipment Thunder on the Hill Racing Series event presented by Alpine Building Supply.
Rick Laubach appeared headed for victory after leading the opening 26 laps, but Jeff Strunk had other plans.
Laubach grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and quickly established himself as the driver to beat in the 30-lap contest. Tim Buckwalter worked his way into second on lap eight and remained among the frontrunners through a series of caution periods that slowed the pace.
Bobby Trapper Jr. also charged into the top five during the opening half of the race while Strunk steadily worked his way forward from the seventh row.
Following a lap-15 caution, Laubach again powered away on the restart while Craig Whitmoyer moved into second. Strunk continued his advance, taking over the runner-up position on lap 18 and beginning his pursuit of the leader.
As the laps wound down, Strunk methodically chipped away at Laubach’s advantage before making the winning move on lap 27, driving underneath the longtime Grandview standout to seize control of the race.
Once in front, Strunk pulled away over the final circuits to score the victory.
Laubach settled for second after leading the majority of the event, followed by Whitmoyer, Brett Kressley and Logan Watt.
