Potomac Speedway
Lear's stings Potomac field to earn $5,036
By Doug Watson
Potomac Speedway
Kyle Lear (41) takes the lead from Josh Richards. (Clifford Dove)
BUDDS CREEK, Md. (May 8) — Super Late Model rookie Kyle Lear of Odenton, Md., shocked the Stinger 50 field at Potomac Speedway for his first victory in the division. The 22-year-old made it a big one, earning $5,036 in a 50-lapper celebrating the track's 36th anniversary. | Slideshow
Lear's dazzling low-groove rally from the 13th starting spot culminated with a lap-38 pass of polesitter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., and Lear led the rest of the way.
“This is unbelievable," Lear said in victory lane after raising his arms triumphantly. "I wasn’t even sure the checkered flag was for me. ... Josh is a great racer and when we came off of turn four I gave him the outside lane and we raced hard into turn one and we were able to take the lead."
Jim Bernheisel of Lebanon, Pa., rallied late to finish second while Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., was third. Richards, a World of Outlaws Late Model Series regular who fielded the Ernie Davis-owned No. 25, faded to fourth and Rick Eckert of York, Pa., rounded out the top five. Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., who started outside the front row, ended up seventh.
Notes: Lear's Ken Festerman-owned Rocket Chassis has a Leggett Engine Research powerplant and sponsorship from Lee's Garage and Ken's Towing. ... Lear finished second in points in Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway's Sportsman division in 2007. ... Among drivers failing to make the feature: David Williams, Alan Sagi, Scott LeBarron and Kirk Ryan, who wrecked in the dash after setting fast time. ... Potomac hosts the 40-lap Mike Clore Memorial for Super Late Models on May 24.
Stinger 50: (1) Kyle Lear, (2) Jim Bernheisel, (3) Jason Covert, (4) Josh Richards, (5) Rick Eckert, (6) Ricky Elliott, (7) Austin Hubbard, (8) Ross Robinson, (9) Andy Anderson, (10) Deane Guy, (11) Billy Wampler, (12) Dale Hollidge, (13) Harold Dorsey Jr., (14) Roland Mann, (15) George Moreland, (16) Rob Schirmer, (17) D.J. Myers, (18) Jamie Lathroum, (19) Ray Kable Jr., (20) Roy Deese Jr., (21) Darryl Hills, (22) Greg Roberson, (23) Jeremy Miller, (24) Bo Feathers. Fast qualifier (among 33 cars): Kirk Ryan, 15.833 seconds. Dash winner: Richards. Heat race winners: Miller, Ryan, Ellliott, Richards. Consolation winner: Dorsey.
