Rich Bell takes the checkers for his first Dirt Kings victory.
What won the race: Using an outside move to take the point from early pacesetter Dale Markham on lap 11, sixth-starting Rich Bell of Sheffield, Ill., led the final 20 laps to win Friday's $3,000 Summer Sizzler at Sycamore Speedway. Earning his first career Wabam Dirt Kings Tour victory, Bell became the 26th winner in series history and the first from the state of Illinois.
Key notes: Pole-starting Mitch McGrath used an inside move to take the point from Markham on lap four and led until breaking a driveshaft on the seventh lap, handing the lead back to Markham; McGrath pulled off and was credited with 21st. ... The second-starting Markham, of Maple Park, Ill., led twice for seven laps (1-3, 7-10) before being overtaken by Bell and settling for the runner-up spot, 1.148 seconds back. ... Troy Springborn regained third on lap 17 and completed the podium. ... Jordan Yaggy improved three positions and finished fourth. ... After winning the consolation, Brett Swedberg gained seven spots and finished ninth. ... Justin Green utilized a provisional starting position after flipping in his heat race; Green ran as high as 16th before tangling with Lukas Postl and Bill Edler on lap 22 to draw the race's third and final caution. ... Friday's 16-minute feature saw 14 drivers complete 30 laps, with 17 running at the finish. ... After sustaining damage in his heat race, Taylor Scheffler scratched. ... The Wabam Dirt Kings Tour concludes its 2023 season with Saturday's $2,000-to-win finale at Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.
On the move: Kyle Raddant of Shawano, Wis., started 13th and finished sixth.
Winner's sponsors: Bell’s Rocket Chassis carries sponsorship from Dorothy and Readus Quickle, Bell’s Transmissions, Galva Iron & Metal, Pat & Jen Reinbeck, Randy Hasbrook, Just Another Day Transport, MJ Seed, Straightline Ag, Michlig Energy, Cafe 129, Red’s Bar and Grill, Kevin & Laurie Glieden, Bates Garage, Randy Sommer, Bivins and Sons Trucking, Sheffield Locker, Fastlane Wraps and Nightowl Designs.
Points chase: Before Sycamore: : 1. Nick Anvelink (500); 2. Troy Springborn (422); 3. Mike Mullen (406); 4. Brett Swedberg (378); 5. Justin Ritchie (358).
Current weather: Overcast, 68°F
Car count: 27
Fast qualifier: Dale Markham
Time: 14.027 seconds
Polesitter: Dale Markham
Heat race winners: Dale Markham, Troy Springborn, Mitch McGrath, , , , ,
Consolation race winners: Brett Swedberg, , ,
Provisional starters: Lukas Postl, Justin Green, ,
Next series race: September 23, Plymouth Dirt Track (Plymouth, WI) $2,500