BRANDON, S.D. – Eric Lutz and Cam Schafer both capitalized on drawing the pole position to lead the duration of a pair of sprint car main events on Sunday evening at Huset’s Speedway, which hosted the penultimate round of the C & B Operations Power Series Nationals.
The event concludes on Monday at Huset’s Speedway with a $10,000-to-win winged sprint car main event. The main gates open at 4 p.m. with racing scheduled for 7 p.m.
Lutz garnered his 20th career triumph at the track on Sunday as he led all 25 laps of the Midwest Power Series and Midwest Sprint Touring Series A Main despite a late charge from Parker Price-Miller, who finished second by 0.278 seconds.
“It feels great,” Lutz said. “Drawing the No. 1 helped out a lot, but still you have to keep them behind you. You look at the names and it’s almost discouraging. I just need to learn to chill out at these big races. I get too amped up. I love this place. I started coming here when I was 4-years-old. It’s my favorite place.”
Sunday’s win added another memory for Lutz, who held on to the victory as traffic made it interesting in the waning laps. Justin Henderson and Jack Dover both jumped the cushion as the lead was within striking distance, and Price-Miller used the bottom in turn four on the last lap to edge Henderson for the runner-up result.
“I was trying to pick off some cars and get through tonight,” Price-Miller said. “Our car came on really strong the last 15 laps. I feel like the track started getting good the last 10 laps. It puts us in a good spot for tomorrow. I think if we’re this good tomorrow we’re going to be tough to beat.”
Henderson, who won the C & B Operations Power Series Nationals event at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn., on Saturday, rounded out the podium.
“The car was good,” he said. “The car was fantastic. I just have to do a better job.”
Ryan Timms advanced to a fourth-place result with Dover placing fifth.
Terry McCarl and Price-Miller each set quick time during qualifying to start the night. Dover, Troy Schreurs, Clint Garner and Kaleb Johnson posted heat race wins before Carter Chevalier won the C Main and Cody Ledger claimed the B Main.
Schafer remained undefeated during C & B Operations Power Series Nationals competition as he led all 20 laps of the Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series Non-Wing Sprints main event for the second straight night. The race went non-stop with Schafer building a 3.439-second advantage as the checkered flag was waved.
“This place is bad ass,” he said. “I’m so happy to see it back and rolling. Thank you for all the fans who came out.”
Jake Kouba, Scott Brandt, Mike Mueller and Nick DaRonco rounded out the top five, respectively.