0
0
Photo Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
NEW EGYPT, NJ – Mr. Freeze.
The seldom used nickname was appropriate for Stewart Friesen on Saturday night at New Egypt Speedway in front of a robust crowd for the Super DIRTcar Series ‘Power in the Pines.’
A day filled with sunshine and 80-degree temperatures turned into a chilly, blustery night at the Central Jersey oval.
The temperature drop didn’t affect Friesen however, as the Sprakers, N.Y. native raced to the lead on lap 24 and led 50 of the remaining 51 laps for the season opening victory.
“The track was definitely tricky tonight.” Friesen explained. “I feel like every time we come down here it’s always a little bit different.”
Fortunately, the Halmar guys were able to stay ahead of it and we had a car to win.”
Covington Township, Pa.’s Alex Yankowski raced from the eighth starting spot to come home in the runner-up position. Yankowski got by Boyertown, Pa.’s Logan Watt with eight laps to go to take the second spot.
“I think I just found some of the grip on the bottom before some other guys and we were able to climb our way forward.”
Logan Watt completed the podium in his Super DIRTcar Series debut.
“This feels amazing,” Watt exclaimed. “I watched Stewie race against my dad (Ryan), so I guess it’s my turn now.”
St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada’s Mat Williamson claimed the fourth position to open his Super DIRTcar Series title defense and Oley, Pa.’s Louden Reimert climbed from the 18th starting position to round out the top five.
Finishing sixth through 10th, respectively, were Walden, N.Y.’s Anthony Perrego; Ransomville, N.Y.’s Erick Rudolph; Ringoes, N.J.’s Ryan Godown; Napierville, Quebec, Canada’s Felix Roy; and Canandaigua, N.Y.’s Alex Payne.
Heat winners were Tanner Van Doren, Mike Mahaney, Williamson, and Friesen.
Danny Creeden and Jimmy Phelps won the Last Chance Showdown events.
Parkertown, N.J.’s Ryan Heim raced from the third starting position to take the lead on lap nine for the $1,000 Swagger Factory Apparel Crate Sportsman victory.
Heim raced by Ryan Krushinski to take a lead he would never relinquish.
Bedminster, N.J.’s Mike Butler took home the runner-up finish and Cream Ridge, N.J.’s Ryan Simmons completed the podium.
Nick Van Wickle and Matt Ellery rounded out the top five.
Southampton, N.J.’s Bob Drayton won an exciting Four Cylinder feature in the opening feature of the night.
Drayton held off a hard charging Justin Dunn to pick up the win. Kyle Hurley, Dominick Antonelli, and Scott Dunn completed the top five.
Racing continues at New Egypt Speedway next Saturday, April 5 with the points opener for weekly racing at the D-shaped oval.
The Modifieds, Mid-Atlantic Sprint Car Series, Swagger Factory Apparel Crate Sportsman, XDP Street Stocks, Four Cylinders, and Fastline Performance Rookies are all on the racing card.
For the April 5 event, pit gates open at 3 p.m. with the grandstands unlocking at 4 p.m. Hot laps begin at 5 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $23 for Adults, $20 for Seniors (65 and up), and $15 for Military w/ID and Teens (12-15). Kids 11 and under are admitted FREE.
Pit admission is $40 (w/o a license) and $30 (w/ a license).
New Egypt Speedway is located at 720 Route 539 New Egypt, NJ 08533. To learn more visit newegyptspeedway.net, call 609.758.1900 or like New Egypt Speedway on Facebook.
