6/12/2016
Delaware International Speedway
“ROCKET� BLASTS BIG BLOCKS TO WIN $3000 SHOWDOWN
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – The Delaware International Speedway hosted the $3000 to win S.R. Pete & Sons Late Models vs. the NAPA Big Block Modifieds on Saturday night. Track conditions proved to be perfect for the full bodied Late Model cars and taking the cash with his first win of the season was Seaford, Del.’s Ricky “the Rocket� Elliott.
Heats were won by Elliott, Dave Dissinger; and Matt Hawkins. Elliott started on the outside of Hawkins and was leading the field by the second turn in the 30-lap main. Beau Wilkins quickly worked into second but last week’s Late Model winner, Nick Davis took over the spot by lap three.
Elliott and Davis started to pull away from the field and by lap five were joined by the Late Model of Donald Lingo, Jr. in the top three. By lap ten the top five were all Late Models as Dylan Evan garnered fourth and “the Wild Child� Amanda Whaley powered into fifth.
Lingo, Jr. got by Davis at the halfway sign and started to reel in Elliott. On lap 18 the yellow was out as pole sitter, Hawkins came to a halt. Under the yellow Bobby Watkins headed to the pits and just before the green Whaley did likewise with a flat right rear.
Howard O’Neal now became the only Big Block in the top five running in fifth. With five to go Lingo, Jr. had caught Elliott and Dissinger had gotten by O’Neal for fifth. Elliott moved to the top and found just enough moisture to open back up his lead in the closing laps for the win.
“It was definitely our (late models) kind of track tonight,� said Elliott. “If it had been heavy it would have favored the modifieds. Last week when they were towing me off fans were waving bye. Tonight I just want to wave and say Hi.�
Late Model/Modified Shootout Finish (Late Model “LM�): 1. Ricky Elliott (LM); 2. Donald Lingo, Jr. (LM); 3. Nick Davis (LM); 4. Dylan Evans (LM); 5. Dave Dissinger; 6. Beau Wilkins; 7. Carson Wright; 8. Howard O’Neal; 9. H.J. Bunting; 10. Brad Trice; 11. Drew Simmons; 12. Scott VanGorder; 13. Kyle Fuller; 14. Amanda Whaley (LM); 15. Matt Hawkins; 16. Bobby Watkins; 17. Brandon Watkins; 18. Kellie Lewis (LM); 19. Michael White.
