9/2/2018
Lauren Butler
Lauren Butler Makes History Again With Angie Kimberly At Jennerstown Speedway
The Jennerstown Speedway Complex Officials and track crew battled through a pair of rain delays to deliver a complete program of racing to fans on Riggs Industries Night at the Races, Saturday, September 1, 2018. Repeat winners were Barry Awtey (Martella's Pharmacies RUSH Late Models), Anthony Aiello (Stoystown Auto Wreckers RUSH Modifieds), Dan Jackson (Farmers Union Co-Op Chargers), and Evan Nibert (Somerset Trust Company Fast 'n Furious 4-Cylinders). Young Angie Kimberly earned her first career victory in the J&J Truck Equipment RUSH Street Stocks. Prior to the start of racing, over $19,000 in performance parts and gift certificates were distributed to drivers in the three RUSH sanctioned divisions, by random drawings, during the annual RUSH Manufacturer’s Night celebration.
Point standings leader Josh Coughenour started from the pole position for the 20-lap J&J Truck Equipment RUSH Street Stock feature race. Coughenour is a five time winner this season, but surrendered the lead on lap three, to Angie Kimberly, who started in fourth place. Kimberly, who enjoyed several strong performances in 2018, was forced to defend her lead against challenges from 2017 Champ Lauren Butler. The popular gals pulled away from the rest of the competitors, for several laps. Two time winner Aaron Van Fleet started to gain on the lead duo late in the race. Kimberly, who started her career successfully in the 4-Cylinder division, then spent a brief time in the Charger class, is among the youngest drivers in the Street Stock racing. Having never won at Jennerstown Speedway, when the race began, Kimberly fought off a last lap attack from Butler, to preserve her lead, which was less than a car-length, when the checkered flag waved. A rare female sweep of the top two spots, concluded with Kimberly celebrating in victory lane for the first time. Butler joined in the merriment, happy with her best finish of the year, second place. Van Fleet finished third, with heat race winner Jeremy Shaffer placing fourth. Veteran Rick Meehlieb crossed the finish line in fifth position.
Submitted By: Lauren Butler
