Strunk Claims 50th Freedom 76er at Grandview Speedway

Spectacular fall weather greeted a large contingent of fans and racers alike for the 50^th annual Freedom 76er at Grandview Speedway.  69 modifieds were in attendance looking to secure one of the 32 starting position for a shot at the $35,550 winner’s CHECK.

Three Grandview drivers and Two New York drivers broke away from the field and battled for the lead nearly the entire race but in the end it was Jeff Strunk making a dramatic late race pass on Brett Kressley for the lead and a trip into victory lane for his 8^th Freedom 76er win and the $35,550 winner’s check.

The field was led to green by Brigg’s Danner and Bobby Varin in Tom Umbenhauer’s #5 entry.  Varin led the first 24 laps before being overtaken by a hard charging Brett Kressley on lap 25 for the lead.  The top 5 for the remainder of the race was an intense battle between Brett Kressley, Jeff Strunk, Bobby Varin, Matt Sheppard and Mike Gular as this group broke away from the rest of the field as they entered into lapped traffic on lap 25.  Kressley was able to hold off Jeff Strunk in second place for nearly 40 laps but on lap 64 Strunk finally got past Kressley into the lead as Kressley started to fade with what appeared to be tire wear.  Jeff Strunk maintained a comfortable lead over Matt Sheppard and into victory lane for Freedom 76er win # 8 and a check for $35,550.

The top 5 was rounded out by Matt Sheppard, Mike Gular, Brett Kressley and Bobbie Varin.

The $1,000 cash dash was a green to checkered win for Ryan Godown.

The minuteman 20 was a green to checkered win for Mike Maresca in Kevin Hirthler’s backup #117X.