Brian Shirley talks about his MARS win at Tri-City Speedway.
What won the race: Taking the lead from polesitter Tony Jackson Jr. when Jackson bobbled on the cushion on lap 10, fourth-starting Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., led the remaining 20 laps to win Friday’s MARS Racing Series feature at Tri-City Speedway. Shirley earned $3,000 in winning his third MARS race of the season ahead of Dennis Erb Jr.
Quotable: “We just got going there and just found a good rhythm and found what I needed to make some moves and get around those guys and the car was pretty good,” said Shirley. “With lapped traffic you definitely had to watch what you were doing and make sure you gave them guys in case they would mess up too or shove (up the track).”
Key notes: Shirley finished 1.995 seconds ahead of Erb. … Ten of the 22 starters completed all 30 laps. … It was Shirley’s third MARS victory in his last four series starts. His other series wins came at Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville, Ill., and Fayette County Speedway in Brownstown, Ill. … Erb grabbed the second spot from Jackson with nine laps remaining and then turned back Jackson's last-lap charge by less than a car length. … Babb pulled to the infield pit area with seven laps remaining, giving up the fourth position. … The MARS Series kicked off its weekend doubleheader with its 11th visit to Tri-City and the first of two scheduled stops this season at the Tammy and Kevin Gundaker-promoted oval. ... Brian Diveley debuted a new Black Diamond car to make his first start in approximately 20 months. ... Australian Paul Stubber was on hand to begin his summer of Dirt Late Model action in the United States.
On the move: Caleb Ashby of Cunningham, Tenn., finished 12th after starting 20th.
Winner's sponsors: Shirley’s Bob Cullen Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Thomason Express, Cheap Cars, KBX Graphix, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, Skateland South, Jayco Construction, Kim's Autobody, Vallejo and Popejoy.
Points chase: Before Tri-City, Tim Manville (827) led Tanner English (823), Dean Carpenter (789), Caleb Ashby (785) and David Seibers (783).
Car count: 27
Fast qualifier: Tony Jackson Jr.
Time: 14.806 seconds
Heat race winners: Tony Jackson Jr., Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Babb, , , , ,
Consolation race winners: Dean Carpenter, , ,
Next series race: June 2, Fayette County Speedway (Brownstown, IL) $3,000