Grandview Speedway
Kellner's demise lifts Merkel at Grandview
BECHTELSVILLE, Pa. (July 31) — Former track regular Kyle Merkel of Gilbertsville, Pa., captured his first Cline ConstructionSteel Block Bandits victory Saturday at Grandview Speedway, earning $2,000 for his 40-lap victory.
Merkel, Grandview’s 2009 Late Model champion, led the 25-car starting field to the green with Ron Kline right behind. Brian Shuey charged up to second and challenged Merkel for the top spot. Mike Kellner moved into second at the halfway mark, then overtook Merkel five laps later to take command.
But Kellner’s lead was short-lived as mechanical problems forced himto the infield on the 26th lap. Merkel led the rest of the way to take the checkers ahead of Shuey, Randy Stoudt, Kline and Andy Fries at the third-mile oval.
The series takes August off before returning to action Sept. 4 at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, W.Va.
Steel Block Bandits @ Grandview: (1) Kyle Merkel, (2) Brian Shuey, (3) Randy Stoudt, (4) Ron Kline, (5) Andy Fries, (6) Bruce Kane, (7) Walker Arthur, (8) Nate Christman, (9) Danny Snyder, (10) Bill Henning, (11) Wayne Pfeil, (12) Kurt Spotts, (13) John Giesler, (14) Johnny Favinger, (15) Rick Todorow, (16) Kory Fleming, (17) T.J. Mayberry, (18) Randall Paxton, (19) Chuck Schutz, (20) Danny Brown Jr., (21) Mike Kellner, (22) Grant Adams, (23) Joe Leavell, (24) Mark Malcolm, (25) Gerald Davis. Heat race winners: Kline, Merkel, Shuey. Consolation winner: Christman. Provisional starters: Leavell, Brown.
