Potomac Speedway
Opener gives Myers his first victory at Potomac
By Doug Watson
Potomac Speedway
D.J. Myers (70) fights back at Potomac. (Clifford Dove)
BUDDS CREEK, Md. (March 20) — Recovering after a penalty cost him the lead, D.J. Myers of Greencastle, Pa., led the final 15 laps of Potomac Speedway's season opener on Friday. Myers earned $2,000 in capturing the 40-lap Cody Endicott Memorial, his first career feature victory at the 3/8-mile oval. | Slideshow
“I’ve been able to win at nine or 10 different tracks throughout my career, but never at Potomac, and it feels really good to be here," Myers said. "This is a brand new (PPM Chassis) race car and it was good all night long."
Reigning track champion David Williams of Avenue, Md., led 18 laps after starting on the pole and finished second with Ross Robinson of Georgetown, Del., third. Home-state drivers Jamie Lathroum of Mechanicsville, who started 22nd, and Darryl Hills of Great Mills rounded out the top five. Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., started outside the front row and ended up eighth.
Williams led from the outset, but the third-starting Myers took command on the fifth lap. But a lap-11 restart changed everything when Myers was charged with jumping the restart. He was docked two positions, putting Williams back out front. Myers fought his way back into the lead on the 26th lap and led the rest of the way despite a late caution that set up a two-lap shootout to the checkered flag.
“I as a driver made a mistake and jumped the start, and I applaud the track for sticking with the rules," said Myers, who drives a car owned by new track promoter Greg Gunter. "Fortunately we were able to come back and win the race.”
Notes: The five-division track launched its 36th season. ... The track's next Super Late Model special is the 36th anniversary race on May 8. The Stinger 50 pays $5,036 to the winner. ... In Friday's 25-lap Limited Late Model event, reigning track champion Tommy Wagner Jr. took the lead from Paul Cursey on the second lap and led the rest of the way. Ninth-starting Derrick Quade finished second.
Cody Endicott Memorial: (1) D.J. Myers, (2) David Williams, (3) Ross Robinson, (4) Jamie Lathroum, (5) Darryl Hills, (6) Andy Anderson, (7) Bryan Bernheisel, (8) Austin Hubbard, (9) Ray Kable Jr., (10) Dale Hollidge, (11) Harold Dorsey Jr., (12) Paul Crowl, (13) Bobby Stokes, (14) Gerald Davis, (15) George Moreland, (16) Roland Mann, (17) Chris Cromer, (18) Kyle Lear, (19) Donald Lingo Jr., (20) Louie Littlepage, (21) Nathan Durboraw, (22) Kerry King, (23) Matt Quade, (24) Deane Guy, (25) Jeff Pilkerton, (26) Barry Lear Sr. Heat race winners (among 27 cars): Williams, Myers, Hubbard.
