Dustin Strand celebrates in victory lane at Red River Valley.
What won the race: Taking command from polesitter Lee Grosz on the sixth lap, third-starting Dustin Strand of Grand Forks, N.D., led the rest of Friday's 25-lap Northern LateModel Racing Association feature at Red River Valley Speedway. Strand's 32nd career NLRA win is his third of the season, the most of any driver.
Key notes: Fifth-starting Don Shaw grabbed second on lap eight and pursued Strand the rest of the way, taking the checkers 1.078 seconds back. ... Lee Grosz led the opening five laps from the pole before losing third to Travis Robertson on the final lap and settling for fourth. ... Cole Schill overcame transferring through a consolation to round out the top five. ... Mitch Johnson gained nine spots and finished seventh. ... The main event was slowed by four yellows and lasted 21 minutes, with 16 drivers running at the finish. ... Scheduled to start ninth Lindsey Hansen scratched from the feature. … NLRA competitors are slated to return for Aug. 16-17’s Howie Schill Memorial.
On the move: Cole Schill of Hawley, Minn., started 17th and finished fifth.
Winner's sponsors: Strand’s SRT Millenium Chassis is powered by a Strudy Racing Engine and sponsored by Walhalla Building Center, Q&Z Plumbing & Heating, Keewatin Truck Service, Freije Farms, Bemidji Welder’s Supply, Double Deuce Bar & Grill, Shocker Hitch Air Ride, Highside Truck Accessories & Sales, Generations Salon & Spa, Carr’s Grain Service, Naastad Acres, Jason Strand Farms, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru and The Bun Lounge.
Points chase: After Red River Valley: 1. Dustin Strand (1,133); 2. Cole Schill (1,119); 3. Brody Troftgruben (995); 4. Brad Seng (991); 5. Rusty Kollman (913).
Current weather: Overcast, 72°F
Car count: 30
Polesitter: Lee Grosz
Heat race winners: Shawn Meyer, Jason Strand, Dustin Strand, Don Shaw, , , ,
Consolation race winners: Cole Schill, , ,
Provisional starters: Jeff Hapala, Brandon Corbett, Ryan Dahl, Ryan Kereluk,
Next series race: June 21, I-94 EMR Speedway (Fergus Falls, MN) $1,250