Dona Marcoullier heads for victory at Winston.
What won the race: After earning fast qualifier honors and winning his heat race earlier in the evening, second-starting Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., swept Friday's Sunoco American Late Model Series event at Winston Speedway, collecting $5,000.
Key notes: The victory is the fifth of Marcoullier's career with the American Late Model Series. ... Fourth-starting Chad Finley of Lansing, Mich., advanced to claim the runner-up position. ... Eighth-starting Rich Bell of Sheffield, Ill., finished in a distant third position, over five seconds behind Marcoullier. ... Entering Friday as a five-time winner at Winston this year, including a $5,000 ALMS feature on June 18, polesitter Brandon Thirlby of Traverse City, Mich., finished sixth. ... Winston Speedway's local Super Late Model point leader, Nick Kurtz of Greenville, Mich., finished eighth. ... Friday's feature, the ninth series stop at the Rothbury, Mich., oval and the final points race of the season, was slowed by multiple incidents and lasted over 27 minutes, with nine competitors completing all 40 laps.
On the move: Steve Fairbanks of Twin Lake, Mich., started 13th and finished seventh.
Winner's sponsors: Marcoullier’s Black Diamond Chassis is powered by a Ryhne Competition Engine with sponsorship from Patrick Plumbing, Dennis Craft Construction, Rosebrugh Construction, Jimmy’s Collision, Todd Roseburg Trucking, Randall’s Collision, Roscommon Auto Recyclers, McBain Body Shop, Wilds True Value, Quickcar Racing, Allstar Performance and KBC Graphics.
Points chase: Before Winston: 1. Rich Bell (481); 2. Brandon Thirlby (357); 3. Curtis Roberts (342); 4. Rusty Schlenk342); 5. Travis Stemler 320).
Car count: 14
Fast qualifier: Dona Marcoullier
Polesitter: Brandon Thirlby
Heat race winners: Dona Marcoullier, Brandon Thirlby, , , , ,
Next series race: August 28, Oakshade Raceway (Wauseon, OH) $2,000