(Jimmy Dearing)
Mike McKinney Capitalizes on Mielke’s Misfortune to Win I-96
Mike McKinney ran 2nd for the majority of the 25 lap feature at I-96 Speedway (MI), but last lap bad luck for race leader David Mielke resulted in a pass for the lead coming to the checked and McKinney’s 7th tour victory of 2018. After leading by a straightaway at the white flag Mielke’s car suffered from mechanical problems going through turn 3. McKinney was able to get by the slowed car of Mielke heading to the checkered. Mielke was able to get across the line 2nd before slowing to a stop.
Mielke set a blistering pace during the race around the top rim of the slick 3/8 mile oval. McKinney worked the low side of the track but was unable to hunt down Mielke prior to final lap.
McKinney’s win came as the Illinois driver was locked in a points battle with Mike Harrison. Each driver had 6 wins in 2018 going into Thursday’s event. The Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals takes the top 8 finish over the course of the tour. The win propels McKinney to the lead with 4 events remain.
Jacob Poel of Spring Lake, MI finished in the 3rd position with Curt Spalding finishing 4th after a photo finish with Mike McKinney for the 2nd place finishing portion in heat 2. Spalding made it past Collin Thirlby in the closing laps with Thirlby finishing in the 5th position.
Feature Finish: Mike McKinney, David Mielke, Jacob Poel, Curt Spalding, Colin Thirilby, John McClure, Zeke McKenzie, Chad Bauer, Luke Hubbell, Dave Van Guilder, Dustin Guilder, Dustin Golden, Josh Lolmaugh, Dave Baker, Corey Bevrd, Jame Kimmel, Jarret Rendel, Phil Dixon, Joe Rokos
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals and Summit Modified Nationals will travel to Oakshade Raceway on July 13 for round 4 of Champions Week presented by FK Rod Ends. Follow the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals on Twitter or Facebook for updates during and between race seasons. The Summit Modified Nationals will be joined by the DIRTcar Summer Nationals as the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals runs parallel to the DIRTcar Summer Nationals. Information on the Summer Nationals can be found thehelltour.com.
