Nick Deal heads to victory in his first career series feature.
What won the race: Nick Deal of Harlan, Iowa, outran threatening rain in the Malvern Bank Super Late Model Series opener at I-80 Speedway on Saturday to capture his first career victory in what was his family-owned team's debut on the regional tour. Defeating fourth-starting Josh Leonard, Deal pocketed a $4,000 payday for his victory in the Spring Meltdown's 25-lap feature.
Key notes: Deal started fifth and took the lead from Corey Zeitner on the ninth lap. ... Deal began his memorable weekend by inheriting the $1,000 top prize in Friday's first qualifying feature after apparent victor Dylan Smith's Al Humphrey-owned No. 6 was disqualified in postrace tech inspection. (Tad Pospisil, Corey Zeitner and Brian Kosiski finished second through fourth to transfer to Saturday's finale.). ... Andrew Kosiski won Friday's second $1,000 qualifying feature (over transfers Josh Leonard, Bill Leighton Jr. and Jason O'Brien). ... There was a frontstretch pileup at the outset of Friday's second race; no one was injured. ... Kyle Berck, who entered the weekend having won six of the last seven Malvern Bank features at I-80, finished 10th in Saturday's A-main. ... Tad Pospisil set fast time on Friday in a new Sweet-Bloomquist Race Car before finishing ninth in Saturday's finale.
On the move: Allan Hopp of Harlan, Iowa, started 23rd and finished 13th.
Winner's sponsors: Deal's Black Diamond Chassis has a Shepherd Engine Development powerplant and is sponsored by Prairie Rose Sign & Canopy, Nebraska-Iowa Supply Co., Allstar Tire, Chadwick Towing, Kendall Oil, Sardeson Racing and Monster Graphix.
Points chase: Deal grabbed the early points lead with his victory.
Current weather: Cloudy with Light Rain, 62°F
Car count: 34
Fast qualifier: Tad Pospisil
Time: 17.773 seconds
Polesitter: Corey Zeitner
Heat race winners: Jeremy Grady, Scott Ward, Ben Schaller, Kyle Berck, , , ,
Consolation race winners: Brad Perdue, Cory Dumpert, ,
Next series race: April 19, Marshalltown Speedway (Marshalltown, IA) $2,000