Burt Back in Victory Lane at Marysville
Marysville, CA (April 18, 2016) – Jeremy Burt has won plenty of sprint car races at Marysville in his career. That’s why last year was unusual for Burt as he was never able to park the familiar #2b in victory lane. On Saturday night Burt ended his winless drought at Marysville by leading all 25-laps in convincing style. “It feels great to get back onto the front stretch,” said Burt. “I just want to thank my family and sponsors for always believing in me.”
During the 25-lap race Burt was never seriously challenged. Holding onto the second spot for the majority of the event was Brad Bumgarner. In fact, it was entertaining to watch Bumgarner and Justin Sanders race for the second position. Sanders had a few chances to slide by Bumgarner but was never able to accomplish the pass. Chasing the top three all night was Keith Bloom Jr. A total of 16 cars entered point race #2. Burt also turned the fastest lap of the night with a 12.739.
Peter Paulson thrilled the crowd with his charge towards the front in winning the 20-lap wingless main event. Paulson started eighth in his #8 and was smooth and constant in finding the fastest line around the quarter-mile race track. Not to be outdone was Korey Combs. The #55 driver was great and led for a while. Combs should be commended for his great finish. Josh Vieira seems to be overlooked at times as a good wingless driver. He finished in the third spot but is always a contender for the win anytime he hits the track. Johnny Burns raced his way back up to top spot after an earlier encounter with Misty Castleberry. Misty had the lead and was going into turn one when Burns and herself came together causing both of them to spin wildly into turn one. During the wreck numerous other cars were collected.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds put on another solid show with 15 drivers competing on this night. Jim Waller grabbed the early lead. Yet, by the second circuit Todd Copper assumed the top spot. From here on out it was Cooper’s race. He led the final 19 laps and was only threatened late by Brian Cooper. The AutoMaxx team from Marysville finished in the top two spots. After the race nearly 30 people lined up for Todd’s victory lane photo. Needless to say, the Cooper family is heavily involved with this race track. Phillip Shelby drove from the tenth starting spot to finish third. He battled with Jerry Bartlett for numerous laps. Bartlett came home fourth while Waller drifted back to fifth.
James Castleberry dominated the early portion of the Super Stocks main event. Yet, late in the race his car faltered allowing Courtney Dozier the opportunity to close in. With a handful of laps remaining Dozier passed Castleberry with ease. Dozier went on to win the 20 lap main event. Castleberry held on to finish second. Phillip Shelby also had a long night doing two divisions and finished third. “I’m tired,” said Dozier in victory lane. He had just jumped out of his sprint car and quickly got behind the wheel of the Super Stock. Eight cars made the call for the nights racing action.
Tim MacLaughlin clean swept the Pro 4 Sprints. He won an exciting eight lap heat race over Matt Beardslee and then backed it up by winning the main event. Only five cars attempted to start tonight.
Full results of point race #2 can be found here http://www.mylaps.com/en/events/1252311
Pics: Troy White
