8/10/2014
Freedom Factory
Dutilly wins crash filled Late Model feature at Desoto
Dutilly wins crash filled Late Model feature at Desoto
By SCOTT LOCKWOOD
Desoto Speedway
Throughout the season, Bradenton's Jesse Dutilly suffered through several tire issues that cost him a shot at several potential Turner Tree and Landscape Super Late Model wins at Desoto Speedway.
Despite all of his early hard luck, Dutilly became the first driver to repeat as a winner in the late model class after taking the lead just prior to the halfway point of Saturday night's crash-marred 75-lap feature event and cruised to his second straight win at Desoto.
Outside polesitter Jeff Scofield grabbed the lead at the start and held the point until being overtaken by Billy Bigley Jr. for the top spot on lap 13. Bigley was pulling away from the rest of the field when the caution flew for Joe Winchell's spin in turn four on lap 17.
Scofield retook the lead on the restart with Bigly, Chris Fontaine, fast-qualifier Jesse Dutilly and Joe Boyd rounding out the top five. Dutilly passed Fontaine and Bigley on the same lap to get up to second before another caution flew for a spin involving L.B. Skaggs and Tyler Scofield on lap 25.
One lap after the ensuing restart, a five-car pileup in turn three took out Dylan Bigley Dennis Coletti, Doc McKinney and Daryl Shelnut, who was taken to a local hospital with an apparent arm injury.
Scofield and Dutilly staged a side-by-side battle for the lead for the next several laps, with Dutilly finally inching ahead for the top spot at the end of lap 30. Dutilly pulled out to a full straightaway-length lead over Scofield before the yellow flew again for Michael Atwell's spin in turn three on lap 67.
On the ensuing restart, T.J. Duke and Chris Fontaine got together in turn four, collecting several cars in the process. During the caution period, Fontaine and Duke engaged in a "shoving" match with their race cars on the main straightaway. Duke eventually slammed into Fontaine's car just past the flag stand, resulting in serious damage to both cars. Both drivers were disqualified as a result.
Dutilly got the jump on the final restart and easily pulled away for the win. Jeff Scofield, Billy Bigley, Joe Boyd and Tyler Scofield rounded out the top five.
In other action Saturday night, Jordan Miller won his second straight Rookie 4 feature; Brian Scherrer won the Southeast Champ Kart feature; Randy Johnson won his second consecutive Mini Stock feature; Jeff Firestine won the Modified Mini main event; Richard Nelson won the Sun Belt Rentals of Fort Myers Street Stock feature; and Duane Best swept both 25-lap features for the LKQ Pick Your Parts Pure Stocks.
A special Thank you to our featured drivers for saturday night. #32 Dean Butrum and #93 Jeff Firestine both from the modified mini class. They gave each child an autographed picture, some candy, and Dean Butrum let each child autograph the front of his car. Great drivers we have at Desoto Speedway. Thank you
Submitted By: Linda Jericka
