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Robert Ballou Wins On The Last Lap In Another Josh Burton Memorial Classic

The weather was awesome after the rain missed us to honor Josh Burton in the 11th Annual Memorial Race. 34 sprints with a loaded field of talent entered the gates at the red clay. The format would be 4 heats taking the top 4 with the top 2 redrawing in front of the crowd for the front 4 rows of the 10 grand to win 30 lap A main. The four fast times in their groups were Braxton Cummings, Jake Swanson, Kevin Thomas Jr. and Ricky Lewis. This setup the 4 heats. Heat race 1 had Shane Cottle winning it from his 3rd place starting spot and he held off Tye Mihocko from 6th, Braxton Cummings and Harley Burns. Heat race 2 Jake Swanson took the 5T to the checkered flag in front of Kyle Cummins, Brayden Fox and Jadon Rogers. Just after 2 heats you can see why I said loaded field for sure. Heat race 3 was won by Ricky Lewis over Cody Trammell, Rylan Gray and Brandon Spencer. The final heat was won by Kevin Thomas Jr. over Robert Ballou, Hunter Maddox and Max Adams. This setup the final chance to get in the big show. The B main had a lot of interesting drama. Chase Stockon was able to win the B and transfer to the big show. The crowd came to their feet as Jeff Bland in the #04 came from 6th place to 3rd to transfer to the big dance and for sure it was exciting to see the #04 put it in the show. Also making the show was Charles Davis Jr. and Daylan Chambers. It was the draw in front of the crowd to place the top 8 that was a very interesting setup. With poker chips 1 through 8 placed in a very popular 04 orange sock who would get that front row. Tye Mihocko and Kyle Cummins pulled the #1 and #2 poker chip and they would lead the field for the 30 laps. Tye was really strong early and would take the lead. There were all kinds of passing going on from 3rd through 10th in the loaded field the first 10 laps. After many yellow flags with cars going to the work area to repair their cars we were hoping to get some green flags in because we were starting to worry about fuel. On the restarts the 24P of Mihocko really started to build the lead. Jadon Rogers had came from 14th and with 10 to go he was battling for 7th place. The #12 of Ballou with just 5 to go had made his way to 2nd from the 5th starting spot and was closing in on Tye. With just 2 to go Robert looked to bobble on the cushion in turn 2 which allowed Tye to get a little space between. Coming to the white the #12 was within striking distance and the crowd was wondering is a slider coming. Sure enough on the final lap going into 3 the #12 sent a monster slider and cleared the 24P and was able to cross the finish line first. It was maybe one of the wildest finishes at a Josh Burton Memorial Race. Following Robert at the finish it was Tye Mihocko, Kyle Cummins, Kevin Thomas Jr., Cody Trammell, Jadon Rogers, Ricky Lewis, Jake Swanson, Brayden Fox and Shane Cottle. Thanks goes to all 34 teams that put on an outstanding show for all of our great fans. Thanks especially to the entire Burton Family who puts so much into this race and all the sponsors for what they do also to make this the biggest race of the year at Bloomington Speedway.
The UMP mods had 13 entries and the 2 fast times were Jacoby Hines and Derek Groomer. Jacoby and Derek also won their heats. The top 2 had a kid in the audience draw the poker chips for thme out of the orange O4 sock and the front 2 for the A was going to be Jacoby Hines and Tyler Loughmiller. Both of these 2 would stay in the top 2 positions for the first half of the race. Jacoby did build a nice lead and would hold on for the 20 lap A main victory. Following Jacoby at the finish it was Derek Groomer, Brayden Watson, Tyler Loughmiller and Cole Parker.
The UMP Super Stocks had a field of 14 with Jeff Allen and Zach Sasser setting quick times in their groups. Heat race 1 had Jeff Allen winning over Matt Boknecht and Ralph Groomer. Heat race 2 Tucker Chastain won over Zach Sasser and Isaiah Sasser. This setup the A main and the lucky poker chip draw was Tucker and Zach for the front row. This 20 lap A main was another great battle among the top UMP points guys in the nation but the #1 of Matt Boknecht would pass most of the top guys in the UMP points from 4th to win it. Following Matt at the checkers it was Zach Sasser, Tucker Chastain, Isaiah Sasser and Trey Chastain. Thanks to all the great teams and awesome fans who came out for the 11th Josh Burton Memorial Race. It was an amazing show and thank you to the Burton Family for all they do in honor of Josh and Darlene who were certainly looking down on us Friday watching an outstanding show!!

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