The Pro All Star Series rolled into Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday with a full lineup of events, including the Honey Badger Street Stocks, the PASS Modified division and the PASS SLM division. Sunday was also a warmup to the almighty Oxford 250 weekend, which will be upon us in just two weeks time.
The day began with Matt Dufault capturing the victory over Jordan Russell in an action-packed 40-lap main event for the Street Stocks. Zach Bowie, Rick Spaulding and Mark Turner rounded out the top five. Jordan Russell still remains the point leader in the division after his impressive runner-up finish.
The PASS Modified division took to the track next, with teams looking to knock Tyler King and team off the throne after their dominating performances and numerous wins throughout the course of the 2020 race season.
Looking to turn his luck around this week was Chasing the Checkered driver, Spencer Morse, who has had a frustrating 2020 season so far. The season has not gone how the 2019 division champion had intended by any means, but the #34 team continues to fight and work relentlessly on the #34 machine each and every week in attempt to turn the season around, one way or another.
The Modified competition began with two 10-lap qualifying heats. Ajay Cates held the early advantage over the field in the first heat. Bobby Nadeau and Milo Washer went head-to-head for the runner-up spot on lap 5, with Nadeau coming out on top. Ajay Cates secured the heat victory, followed by Bobby Nadeau and Ryan Ripley.
Spencer Morse took off with the early lead in the second qualifying heat. Tyler King was also on the move early, all over Kevin Durgin for the runner-up spot on lap 2. Max Cookson also displayed a strong performance in his debut, going from the rear of the field to fourth in the early laps of the heat. Morse took home the heat victory, making it a promising start to the day for the #34 team. Tyler King and Kevin Durgin rounded out the top 3.
Milo Washer took off with the lead on lap 1 of the 50-lap feature, but Spencer Morse was on the move behind him, navigating from 7th to 4th on the initial lap of the feature. He was all over Chandler Harrison for third on lap 3, advancing position the following lap. Ashley Beyea took a spin on lap 5 in turn 4, leading to the first caution of the feature.
Spencer Morse powered to the lead on the restart as Ajay Cates lost ground on the outside groove, losing a handful of spots. Bobby Nadeau proved strong early, advancing into the runner-up spot over Milo Washer on lap 8. Washer bobbled on lap 12, falling to the rear of the pack as Mike Nichols and Tyler Fiscus both went around. The two drivers drove away under their own power as the field remained green.
Chandler Harrison came to a slow on lap 17, falling to the back of the pack. Drivers continued to fight hard for position at the front of the field on lap 19, going 3-wide for fifth on lap 19. Tyler King came out on top of that battle, setting his sights on the leaders. After a strong performance all day, Ajay Cates came to a slow on lap 21, retiring to the pits.
Matty Sanborn and Max Cookson made contact while battling for position on lap 30 in turn 1, but the field remained green. Troubles also plagued Spencer Vaughan late-race as he came to a slow on lap 33, retiring to the pits. Gary Dwinal took a spin on the front stretch on lap 37, leading to a late-race caution.
The restart opened an opportunity for Bobby Nadeau to catch up to the leader, as he was slowly reeling in Spencer Morse before the caution came out. Spencer maintained his edge over the field on the restart as Ryan Ripley quickly maneuvered his way into the runner-up spot behind him. Tyler King was still on the prowl in the closing laps of the race, advancing to fourth over Kevin Durgin on lap 43.
Spencer was able to hold off the competition, capturing the feature victory. The victory is Spencer’s second of the season, with his first happening back on June 21st at White Mountain Motorsports Park. It has been an uphill battle for the #34 team since his initial win, so this gives the team a lot of momentum heading into the doubleheader Oxford 250 weekend.
Ryan Ripley, Bobby Nadeau, Tyler King and Matty Sanborn rounded out the top five.
The PASS Modified division brought a lot of excitement to Oxford Plains Speedway and it was great to see another Chasing the Checkered driver in Victory Lane!
You can catch the PASS Modified division on Oxford 250 weekend, which is just two weeks away. The weekend will feature two PASS Modified events, one on Saturday, August 29th and the other on Sunday, August 30th.
As always, the Oxford 250 weekend is going to be a thrill for racing fans across the country. You don’t want to miss it!
Get out there & support your local short track!
I hope to see you there!
