I-44 Speedway
Stovall grabs first career MARS victory at I-44
From track reports
Jesse Stovall picked up $3,000. (stlracingphotos.com)
LEBANON, Mo. (July 3) — Jesse Stovall of Galena, Mo., broke through at I-44 Speedway for his first career victory on the O'Reilly MARS DIRTcar Series in an event co-sanctioned by the Allstate DirtLateModel Racing Association. Stovall earned $3,000 for the victory at the 3/8-mile oval that's been closed in recent weeks while receiving a new surface.
Three-time MARS champ Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., rallied after pitting to replace a flat tire to finish second followed by five-time MARS champ Bill Frye of Greenbrier, Ark., hometown driver Brandon McCormick and Rusty Dukes of Fair Grove, Mo. Two contenders fell by the wayside. Jeremy Payne of Springfield, racing as a teammate to Phillips, took the lead from Stovall by lap 14 and was out front when he spun in turn four on the 16th lap, handing the lead back to Stovall. Wendell Wallace of Batesville, Ark., threatened Payne after the restart but retired after smoke emerged from his car.
MARS-DLRA @ I-44: (1) Jesse Stovall, (2) Terry Phillips, (3) Bill Frye, (4) Brandon McCormick, (5) Rusty Dukes, (6) Joey Mack, (7) Dewaine Hottinger, (8) Patrick Johnson, (9) Steve Rushin, (10) LeRoy Johnson. (complete finish unavailable). Heat race winners (among 27 cars): Payne, Phillips, Frye.
