Joseph Watson Claims 2nd Win of Season at DIS

It looked like rainout number 4 was in the cards for Delaware International Speedway when a brief but heavy storm soaked the track just as gates opened.  Track management was bound and determined to race this week and around 8:30 the racing program was underway for the faithful who had attended and waited out the delay.   The action pack night finished a bit later than usual but the racing in all divisions was worth the wait.

It’s been a few weeks since Joseph Watson has been on his home track but he was glad to be home and grabbed his second win of the season.

HJ Bunting was on the pole and took the early lead with the familiar sight of the Watson brothers again giving chase in 2^nd and 3^rd position.  Bunting was able to maintain his lead through 4 cautions and 14 laps but on lap 16 Joseph Watson took the lead. Despite 4 more cautions and restarts; Joseph Watson was able to hold off Richie Pratt Jr and HJ Bunting for the win.  Joseph Watson picks up his second DIS win of the season.

The heat race winners were Matt Hawkins, Joseph Watson and Jordan Watson.

The top 10 was rounded out by Richie Pratt Jr, HJ Bunting, Jordan Watson, Carson Wright, Robert Dutton, Brandon Watkins, David Shirk, Jordan Justice and Matt Smith.

Modified Pit Notes

23 modifieds in 3 heats provided some good old fashioned hard nose racing.  All three heat races had significant spins and collecting of multi cars.   The spin of the night was Howard O’Neal looping in front of 3 wide coming out of turn 2 and not touching any of the 3 wide cars of Bobby Watkins, Richie Pratt and Jordon Watson as he crossed in front of all 3 competitors.  Despite heavy contact in the other two heats as a result of loops in front of the field all 23 drivers made it out for the feature event.

Richie Pratt paid a visit to DIS his home away from home while Bridgeport Motorsports Park is closed.  Richie started 7^th in the heat and finished 3^rd.  In the feature Pratt also started 7^th and came home with a solid 2^nd place finish to Joseph Watson.

Matt Hawkins came into the event 3^rd in points and was fast in the heats with a heat race win.  Midway through the feature Hawkins got put around as a result of contact with Brett Ballard in the 5b a Bridgeport regular.   Hawkins returned the favor a few laps later and was sent off for intentional contact.  3 laps later Ballard was also sent off for his 3^rd incident of the night.

Team 888 had a good outing with both the 888 and 888H entry.   Robert Dutton landed a 6^th place finish from the 11^th starting position while the 888H with Andy Hammond at the helm finished 13^th from a 22^nd starting position.

HJ Bunting had another strong outing with a 3^rd place finish as he prepares for the Jake Marine Memorial race next Saturday August 8 with a full program of racing starting at 7:00 PM.