It was 3 years ago to the day that the tragedies of Sept. 11 shocked the world and since then there have been countless ceremonies honoring our soldiers, safety personel, and those lost on that day. This day at Ona Raceway was no different as every car went onto the track to remember and salute. After ceremonies it was time to get down to busieness.
Jake began the day the same he has all year trying to figure the car out during the first practice due to all the changes we make every week to try and pick up some tenths. The car was decent during practice but still not what Jake wants it to be so changes were made and Jake went out for practice 2 where he was happier with the handling but still wanted more. For the feature event the race was extended to 30 laps from 15 laps due to the good car count with 9 late models. Jake drew the 1st starting spot which was great since many of the late models had never ran on this tire before and we knew someone would have some trouble. Jake looked forward to starting on the pole and being out of the pack. He started the race and quickly pulled out to a decent lead and maintained it for about 10 laps until he caught some lap cars that held him up a bit. When 2nd place runner Josh Freeman caught Jake he bumped Jake in the back coming out of turn 4 which was exactly what Jake did to him in turn 2 the week before and the results were exactly the same with the "bumper" spinning while the leader held on. Freeman wound up in the wall on the frontstrech and his night was over. Jake held onto the lead through the whole ordeal. When the race restarted weekly favorite Gary Chapman had worked his way into 2nd. Gary made it around Jake as so did Frank Lusher. Lusher spun after a few laps putting Jake in 2nd again. The race up front got crowded with the top 4 nose to nose. Jake was feeling a lot of pressure from the 3 car of Frank Lusher and was putting pressure on Gary Chapman to go. Eventually after many laps of taps Jake bumped Gary in turn 4 and Chapman went around while Jake did a great job of not wrecking also. Jake held onto the lead and the race was restarted but Jake never made it past the finish line as the 2nd and 3rd place runners were a little too puchy and spun Jake before the green flag flew. Jake regained his position and restarted once again. Jake held off the 3 for many laps until with 3 to go Frank got a nose under Jake going into turn 1 and took the lead. Jake held on and captured his 6th 2nd place finish of the season. Afterwards Jake said he had a terrible time the whole race with the car being loose in and through the middle but then extremely tight off the corners.
Dustins night was short and small the sum it up. He and Marty Powers were the only 2 Classics there tonight but they put on a good show for the fans and Dustin wound up finishing 2nd in what was just a fun race for the fans.
Finish: 2nd
