SHENANDOAH SPEEDWAY: Pena makes it 2 straight

Sergio Pena picked up his second consecutive Late Model win on Saturday night in the 75 lap main event. However the first year driver earned this victory with patience and a maturity level that has grown tremendously in jus a handful of races this year.

Kevin Bush picked up the Shenandoah Pharmacy Pole Award with a blistering time of 15.888 and Brian Purdham on the outside pole with a time of 16.023 followed by Pena at 16.036 and Sparky Staton in at 16.045.

When the green dropped, Bush jumped out to a quick lead with Purdham and the rest of the field in close pursuit. The early part of the race was run uneventful but as the leaders neared the halfway mark things started to heat up at the top as Purdham got loose in turn four and that left the bottom open for the No. 58 Pena machine to shoot past on the inside.

A few laps later Pena was on the back bumper of Bush but stayed clear of any contact and when the No. 51 Bush machine moved up a half lane higher, Pena squeezed past to take the lead.

On lap 61 the 01 car of Jason Adkins got loose in turn four and slid up into the No. 8 car of Sparky Staton, but both drivers got their machines under control and continued on. However, a half a lap later, it appeared the Adkins entry got loose coming out of turn two and with a little help from Staton went around, but it was determined by track officials that since both cars were involved in bringing out the caution flag, they both would be sent to the rear of the field.

On the ensuing restart the No. 72 of Jody Cahill and the No. 98 of Mike Darne got together coming out of turn two and it continued down the back stretch and into turn three until both cars came to rest with some major body damage and several flat tires.

Darne was finished for the evening but Cahill would continue after some quick repairs.

When the racing action resumed, Pena sped away to take the win with Bush, Purdham, Staton and Cahill rounding out the top five.

Ryan Adams picked the win in the VMCRA 25-lapper after starting in the rear of the field with Hunter Koschara in second and Justin LaDuke in third.

Brian Kirby got the Mini Modified victory with Randolph Roudabush and Gary Stiteler Jr. rounding out the top three.

INEX Legend action had Michael Edwards squeaking past Cameron Patrick and Brad Hancock to take the top starting spot. However Hancock would have the last laugh as he held off Scotty Edwards and Patrick to pick up the win. Michael Edwards, who led most the early laps but got loose and scrubbed the turn-two wall, but would still limp home with a sixth place finish.

Jeremy “The Quiet One” Griffith picked up the UCAR win with some “veteran” moves and patience as he worked his way around several competitors. Brandon Johnson had a solid run in finishing second with a steadily improving Chris Grogg on the podium in third.

Racing action continues Saturday with a 50-lap SVSRL Mini Cup feature, Sportsman, Street Stock, Legends, UCAR and Enduro/Grocery Getter divisions participating. Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with racing action at 7.