MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Danny Dietrich continued his strong season with a victory in Saturday’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions feature at Orange County Fair Speedway.
The victory earned the Gettysburg, Pa., driver $10,000.
Dietrich, who nearly swept the evening program at Orange County Fair Speedway by winning his respective heat race, the evening’s dash, and finally the 25-lap main event, now owns four All Star Circuit of Champions victories in the state of New York over the course of his career, adding Orange County Fair Speedway to a list that already includes Weedsport Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, and Fonda Speedway.
Despite crossing under the final checkers by a margin of victory exceeding four seconds, Dietrich did not take command for good until lap 19, taking advantage of Gerard McIntyre’s misfortune after the All Star Rookie of the Year contender made contact with the outside retaining wall while leading.
McIntyre led the majority of the 25-lapper, actually controlling 17 circuits, including the first, while attempting to keep Dietrich in his rearview mirror. Dietrich did slip by McIntyre to lead lap 12, but the New Oxford, Pa.-native battled back instantly to regain control the following circuit.
“That was a lot of fun. Hats off to my team for their hard work so far this weekend. We have one more night to go, so hopefully we can cap this weekend with another win,” Dietrich explained. “We were pretty good all night. We got close to Gerard [McIntyre] a few times before he made contact with the wall. I think we were just as good as him. Regardless, it was a great effort by everyone involved. I certainly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t them.”
Although Dietrich was in pursuit of McIntrye from the drop of the green, the battle between the lead duo started to intensify on lap 11. McIntrye was in control ripping the top, but Dietrich was utilizing the shorter way around the speedway, closing-in on McIntyre inch by inch as the laps clicked off the counter.
By lap 12, Dietrich was in position to make a bid for the top spot, eventually sliding through turns three and four to sneak by McIntyre as the pair raced back to the flagstand. McIntyre retaliated in a hurry, quickly returning to the topside to drive back around Dietrich to lead lap 13.
With heavy traffic coming into play by lap 15, things really started to heat up between McIntyre and Dietrich, actually translating into a near-nose to tail battle during the next three circuits. Lap 19 is when trouble struck for McIntyre, slipping up the track just enough in turn two to make contact with Orange County’s unforgiving retaining wall.
After inheriting the top spot, Dietrich drove away to a four second advantage and the $10,000 prize.
Dale Blaney ended up second, followed by Tony Stewart, Aaron Reutzel and Justin Barger.
The finish:
1. 48-Danny Dietrich [1]; 2. 11-Dale Blaney [3]; 3. 14-Tony Stewart [6]; 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel [4]; 5. 5-Justin Barger [5]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [13]; 7. 13-Paul McMahan [8]; 8. 70-Brock Zearfoss [9]; 9. K4-Chad Kemenah [7]; 10. 70X-Justin Peck [14]; 11. 40-George Hobaugh [10]; 12. O7-Gerard McIntyre [2]; 13. 10-Joe Kata [16]; 14. 26-Cory Eliason [19]; 15. 99-Skylar Gee [11]; 16. J4-John Garvin [17]; 17. IO7-Mark Coldren [12]; 18. 90-Jordan Givler [15]; 19. 55-Darren Schott [18]; 20. 87jb-Jim Bob [20]