OSWEGO, N.Y. – Trent Stephens was on top of the top ten in points for the Challenge series going into the night, but something broke in the front of his 19 super in the warmups prior to qualifying, putting him out of contention for the championship.
Mike Ordway Jr. went on to record fast time in qualifying of the remaining 19 cars.
Sitting behind Stephens in the top 10 in points eligible for big bonus awards were Kyle Edwards, Michael Barnes, Otto Sitterly, Ordway Jr., Mike Lichty, Mike McVetta, Johnny Benson Jr., Dan Connors Jr and Russ Wood.
The 60-lap main event was lined up by a draw with Mark Sammut and Michael Barnes in the Shea 11 on the front row, and Tyler Thompson and Ordway in row two.
Kyle Edwards unfortunately ran into bad luck on lap 1 as his No. 11E pulled into the pits for a repair, coming back out at the tail of the 19-car field. With Stephens and Edwards suffering bad luck early, Barnes was now in the catbird seat leading the race and on top of the challenge points.
Barnes would hold onto that lead, fending off some strong challenges as the race flew by. On lap 33 a yellow flew for the No. 44 of Ben Seitz who exited the race, leaving Barnes and Ordway Jr. up front on the restart.
Barnes held his spot out front chased by Ordway, until a lap 50 yellow flew for the leader Barnes who slowed out front and headed pit side just when the win looked to be his as the race end neared.
It was now Ordway Jr.’s race to lose with 10 laps to go.
Sitterly, Lichty, Sammut, and Thompson were among the tough challengers behind him, but Ordway handily maintained his lead until the end.
He collected a trophy for the win and after point calculations were done, he also took home a second trophy for the Challenge Championship and some hefty point money as well. Another great night for the Booth-Ordway team.