BECHTELSVILLE, Pa. — Defending Grandview Speedway NASCAR Modified point champion Craig Von Dohren was able to keep current point leader Brett Kressley behind him for a change on Saturday night and went on to score his third win of the season in the 358 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series 30-lap Modified feature.
Polesitter Glenn Owens led seven laps of the Modified feature trailed by Jordan Henn, Mark Kratz, Jesse Leiby and Darrin Schuler before Eric Biehn stopped in the second turn to bring out the caution. Before the race restarted, Henn, running a strong second made a pit stop and rejoined the pack in last spot.
When action went green again Kratz outgunned Owens to become the new pacesetter.
By the halfway point, the order behind Kratz consisted of Von Dohren, Doug Manmiller, Kressley and Jared Umbenhauer, who started second, 14th, 11th, 15th and 13th respectively.
After a several laps of trying, Von Dohren was finally able to pass Kratz for the lead on the 18th circuit the five-way battle for first ensued coming out of turn 4. Kratz hooked the back bumper of Manmiller’s car and both came to an abrupt halt long the homestretch putting both to the back of the pack after they got separated. On the restart Von Dohren moved the Bruecher-owned/PPB No. 30 Nick Gatto-powered mount away quickly because he knew Kressley was hot on his heels with Umbenhauer, Schuler and Justin Grim right behind waiting for a slip-up for advancement.
A five car tangle in the fourth turn eliminated Ryan Grim, Mike Lisowski, Brad Brightbill and Jordan Henn. Jeff Strunk could continue, but was now at the tail end of the competitors after working his way up to seventh coming from 22nd since he qualified through the consi.
The top three continued to be Von Dohren, Kressley and Umbenhauer, but now Craig Whitmoyer and Duane Howard joined the mix.
From the 22nd lap until the drop of the checkered the first five stayed intact, but it was Von Dohren crossing the line first for his 112th Saturday night career win.Â
The T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman 25-lap feature was checkered at the half-way point due to rain. Kyle Smith was at the right spot this time and was declared the winner for his first career victory at the third-mile oval.
In the two 12-lap Outlaw Vintage Car features Myron Haydt won the Sportsman division race while Jeff Paulson claimed the win in the Modified class.