NORTH EAST, Pa. — Matt Hirschman has a “magic touch” when it comes to the VP Racing Fuels Race of Champions 250.
For the ninth time he etched his name into the record books with a great performance in the 74th annual Race of Champions 250 Sunday at Lake Erie Speedway.
Hirschman started second and fended off several challengers to race his way to victory including a late race pit stop for a fresh left rear tire and his crew got him out first.
“At times the crew was better than the driver today and they were for sure when it mattered,” stated Hirschman. “It really is incredible to win this race nine times. Today Jake Lutz, Andy Jankowiak, Luke Baldwin, Zane Zeiner, Austin Beers, really good modified racers, were right there and we had to race them all. My crew, my family, everyone that helps us get here just did an outstanding job. I’m really proud of this one and now we can race for ten. We’re going to enjoy this one and spend some quality time with the Al Gerber Trophy.”
Jake Lutz led the field to the green flag and seemed to have one of the fastest cars during the early stages of the event as he and Hirschman dueled for the top spot.
After the mandatory refueling break, just past halfway, business picked up at the front of the field as different teams forged their way to the front to take their shots at Hirschman, in the end Hirschman hung on and topped Luke Baldwin, who was making his first Race of Champions 250 start. Austin Beers, the 2021 series champion, came home third.
Lutz finished fourth with current series championship point leader Zane Zeiner rounding out the top five.
Dustin Novoa topped the Race of Champions Street Stock Series race. Nik Welshans captured the Race of Champions Street Stock Series title.
Nick Robinson claimed the victory in the Race of Champions FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series race.
Andy Jankowiak continued to show his diverse driving skills as he scored the victory in the 29-lap Harry Macy Classic for the Mighty TQ Midgets.