CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Justin Peck started on the pole and became the first driver to win twice during the 40th annual Cometic Gaskets Ohio Sprint Speedweek Wednesday night at Atomic Speedway.
Driving Tom Buch’s No. 13, Peck claimed the $6,000 top prize and extend his point lead in the nine-race mid-summer series sanctioned by the All Star Circuit of Champions.
Peck faded to second at the hands of Price-Miller before reclaiming the point on lap nine. Although Peck was seemingly in control, third-starter Danny Dietrich was hot on his heels, eventually driving beneath Peck’s No. 13 on lap 12. The Gettysburg, Pa.,, native did his best to outrun Peck, but a caution on lap 14 would ultimately end his reign.
Peck controlled the restart and led to the checkered flag. Dietrich finished second, with Price-Miller coming home third on the three-eighths-mile track.
“When a driver can go out and know exactly what to expect out of his race car, it makes his life a lot easier, and that’s been the name of the game for us this year…fast, consistent race cars,” Peck said. “I knew I could carry so much momentum around the top here. The bottom just didn’t have it…I tried it a few times and just couldn’t make it stick, so when Danny (Dietrich) got by me, I knew not to panic and just keep my momentum.
“Hats off to this entire team,” Peck added. “It’s been one heck of a week so far.”
All Star point leader Tyler Courtney finished fourth and NASCAR Cup Series regular Christopher Bell came home fifth.
Cap Henry finished eighth and has finished in the top 10 in all six Speedweek events.
Wednesday’s race drew a series-best 43 car-field, with Peck the fastest qualifier.
The series travels to Waynesfield Motorsports Park on Thursday, with Peck holding a 22-point lead over Henry.
The finish:
Justin Peck, Danny Dietrich, Parker Price-Miller, Tyler Courtney, Christopher Bell, Travis Philo, Cole Duncan, Cap Henry, Greg Wilson, Cale Thomas, Brandon Spithaler, Chris Windom, Cory Eliason, Jake Hesson, Kyle Reinhardt, Zeb Wise, Carson Short, Brandon Conkel, Lachlan McHugh, Nathan Skaggs, Alex Bowman, Brandon WImmer, Mitchel Moles, Bill Balog, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg.