After rain halted most of the running for the United States Auto Club over the last two weeks, call it apropos that the sanctioning body heads back home again for events surrounding the Indianapolis 500 with a boost from Sunshine. Tyler Courtney was exceptionally quick off the truck, and turned in a dominating performance to win the NOS Energy National Midget Championship tour stop at Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway. After setting quick time in hot laps, the pilot of the 7BC went a quarter of a second quicker than the rest of the field in time trials.
Tyler Courtney was fast all night at Lanco’s Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway (Photo Credit: Keegan Simmons)
The native of Indianapolis worked the high line to perfection around the 1/8 mile bullring, and assumed the race lead on lap 14 of the 40 lap feature. Courtney would be challenged throughout the event by Buddy Kofoid who started sixth and charged with Courtney towards the front. The race saw numerous caution flags for incidents, which isn’t a surprise given the tight confines of The Clyde. Cannon McIntosh and Tanner Thorson put on a whale of a show, coming from 15th and 19th respectively to finish inside the top five. With the wet stuff preventing races from running three times during the course of Eastern Midget Week, Courtney would sweep the events after claiming the only other checkered flag at Action Track USA in Kutztown.
Tyler Courtney celebrates in Victory Lane at Lanco’s Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway. (Photo Credit: Richard Kepner)
The Hyper Racing 600’s saw a fantastic field of cars arrive for their $5,000 to win feature presented by Rodota Trucking & Excavating. Heading into the night, Damon Paul was sitting on top of the point standings, ahead of Colin White, Alex Bright, Eddie Strada, and Brian Carber. A track which was well suited to the midgets didn’t play nearly as nicely with the 600’s, and the running order and points standings would see big changes throughout the night. Carber and Austin Quick would top their respective qualifying flights, with Carber taking overall quick time honors. Just qualifying for the 50 lap feature would be an accomplishment, with several drivers having issues in their heat races and qualifiers. Mike Rutherford, Aaron Espenshade, Jesse Maurer, Jason Swavely, Carber, Steven Snyder Jr, Paul, and Austin Schaefer claiming heat wins. Qualifiers went to Kyle Spence, Kole Kirkmman, Snyder, and Carber. The combination of points from the time trials, heats and qualifiers set the grid, while the last eight positions in the field went to the top two finishers in each of four B-Mains.
Bobby Butler made a strong run to finish second in the finale to Hyper Racing 600 Speedweek presented by Rodota Trucking & Excavating. (Photo Credit: Richard Kepner)
Just one of the top six starters would make it past the lap 35 mark, with Carber leading from the drop of the green flag. The drama started early, with Paul seeing his race and Speedweek Championship hopes dashed with a flat tire on Lap 4 after starting second. Some of the biggest names in the business saw early trouble, with Snyder and Brendan Bright falling out on Lap 35 after comprising in row two in the initial lineup. The third row starters of Kyle Spence and Austin Quick would both be out of the race before halfway as well. But there were drivers who stormed their way forward. With the heavy attrition and the restarts which followed, multi-time track champion Heath Hehnly was able to charge his way from the 20th starting spot towards the front, coming home in fifth position. Christian Bruno made a last lap pass in his B-Main to claim the last starting position and he made it count, picking up the night’s hard charger award finishing fourth. Third went to Jason Swavely who has had a very good 2020 season so far at The Clyde. Bobby Butler made a very consistent run to come home in the runner-up position, but he never was close enough to really challenge the race winner. Brian Carber was fast all night, and consistent enough when it mattered most, picking up the winner’s check $5,000 check courtesy of Rodota Trucking & Excavating, and the Hyper Racing 600 Speedweek Championship.
Brian Carber celebrates in Victory Lane with Ms Racing Xtravaganza, Cait Puccio, after winning the final race of Hyper Racing 600 Speedweek presented by Rodota Trucking & Excavating. (Photo Credit: Richard Kepner)
Racing action returns to Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway this Saturday night, with five divisions of racing action on the docket. The Hyper Racing 600’s put the wings back on, and are joined by the 270’s, Sportsman, 125/4 Stroke Division, and the All-Star Slingshots. Scout Night is coming back this week, with free admission to all Scouts in uniform, and bike giveaways will be happening as well. Coming up in just a few weeks, it’s the annual Labor Day Shootout, with racing action on both Saturday and Sunday, and a kickoff party on Friday night with a cornhole tournament and live music. Keep your eye out for more information on our final big event of the season!