Grays Harbor Raceway
Vitale wins at Grays Harbor in DAA debut
By Steve Reeck
DAA Northwest Crate Late Model Series
Casey Vitale steers toward victory. (Steve Reeck)
ELMA, Wash. (July 16) — Making his first series start, Casey Vitale of Lebanon, Ore., led virtually the entire distance at Grays Harbor Raceway for a $1,000 victory on the DAA Northwest Crate Late Model Series.
Vitale’s victory broke the two-race winning streak of Greg Walters, the Banks, Ore., driver who finished second. Fast qualifier Jerry Schram of Vancouver, Wash., was third followed by Jason Wines of Lebanon and tail-starting Terray Ferrando of Salem, Ore. | Slideshow
Three cautions slowed the action, including two for spins by Brittany race on the third lap and 23rd lap, when Ray hit an infield tire barrier that ended her race.
Notes: Vitale’s Jody Tanner-owned Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Engage. ... The series is presented by Sherwin-Williams automotive finishes. ... NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who recently became a co-owner of the track and was instrumental in the founding of the series, was on hand. ... Jerry Schram’s fast lap of 16.800 seconds lowered the track record. ... Britton Danahoo’s race ended when a battery cable became disconnected. ... Scott Punochar of Hillsboro, Ore., made his first series appearance, finishing eighth. ... Terry Ferrando’s 18th-to-fifth run gave him the� leftcoastmotorsports.com Hard Charger award. .... Thirteen of 18 starters finished on the lead lap.
DAA Northwest @ Grays Harbor: (1) Casey Vitale, (2) Greg Walters, (3) Jerry Schram, (4) Jason Wines, (5) Steve Moore, (6) Russ Sell, (7) Steve Suckow, (8) Scott Puncochar, (9) Billy Workman Jr, (10) Jimmy Schram, (11) Terry Ferrando, (12) Brett James, (13) Brandon Biffle, (14) Bob Trout, (15) Jeff Biffle, (16) Doug Trout, (17) Britton Danahoo, (18) Brittany Ray. Fast qualifier (among 18 cars): Jerry Schram, 16.800 seconds. Heat race winners: Jimmy Schram, Sell, Vitale. Dash winner: Jerry Schram.
