8/11/2017
Delaware International Speedway
MIKE FRANKLIN MAKES 4 HOUR TOW PAY OFF IN RUSH CRATE LATE MODELS
Trevor Collins and Joe Warren captured the RUSH Crate Late Model heats putting them one/two for the start of the 20-lap feature. Warren jumped out on top with Mike Franklin and Matt Hill running second and third.
The yellow was quickly out as Chip Disharoon came to a stop. On the restart, Hill got by Franklin and quickly mounted a challenge on the leader Warren. The pair made contact with Warren getting around.
The third lap was yet to get in the books putting Franklin back on top fro the restart.
Franklin controlled the lead while Hill and Spanky Whilte battled for second. Hill got clear of White and reeled in Franklin by lap eight. At the halfway sign the pair were trading paint but Franklin would hold on to the top spot while White ran in third with Darren Alvey in fourth and Mike Wharton in fifth.
Cautions on laps 11 and 16 would keep Hill on Franklin’s back bumper but on each restart Franklin was able to open some daylight over Hill. The Winchester, Va. driver would make no mistakes as he drove to his first win this season worth $1000.
“When Warren and Hill got together I make contact with Hill with my right front,� said Franklin. “After that the car actually handled better!� Hill would hold off White to finish in second and third with Wharton getting by Alvey to finish in fourth and fifth.
RUSH Crate Late Model Finish: 1. Mike Franklin; 2. Matt Hill; 3. Sparky White; 4. Mike Wharton; 5. Darren Alvey; 6. Matt Glanden; 7. Trevor Collins; 8. Chuck Bowie; 9. Matt Tarbox; 10. John Emory; 11. Scott Tessman; 12. Charles Shawver; 13. Joe Warren; 14. Jamie Eichholz; 15. Brandon Sturgis; 16. Richard Harden; 17. Zac Weller; 18. Chip Disharoon; 19. Wes Clifton.
