Delaware International Speedway
Elliott tops Hubbard for $6,590 Delaware crown
DELMAR, Del. (Oct. 22) — The master of extra-distance races at Delaware International Speedway, Ricky Elliott of Seaford, Del., drove a calculated race in second spot for most of the 50-lap Delaware State Championship before using lapped traffic to his advantage to earn his second win in the annual fall classic.
Elliott overtook Austin Hubbard in the race's late stages en route to a $6,590 payday.
“He took my groove and I couldn’t do anything with him," Elliott said, "so I just said I’m going to the top. It was a heck of a race. When he took my groove I lost some of my mojo.”
Austin Hubbard started on the pole in the Ernie Davis-owned No. 25 with Elliott starting in second. The frontrunners quickly caught the tail end of the 30 car starting field and Elliott was quick to make his move. Just as he got by Hubbard the caution flew for Lou Johnson putting Elliott back in second for the restart.
Back under the green, Elliott had to be content just trying to keep pace with Hubbard, who was flying around the top. Kenny Pettyjohn made his presence know taking second on lap eight and holding the spot for the next six laps before Elliott regained it.
David Williams was putting on a good run and climbed to third on lap 17 with Mark Byram up to fifth at this point. Kenny Pettyjohn worked his way back into the third spot just before halfway with Richard Jarvis Jr. following into fourth. With 10 laps to go, Scott Haus entered the picture as he had climbed from 10th to fifth.
Hubbard opened a second and a half margin over Elliott, but traffic once again came into play in the race's late stages. With eight to go, Elliott was in position directly behind Hubbard and when the opportunity appeared in traffic with five to go, Elliott made the pass for the lead.
Elliott was able to open a slight lead and held on for the victory. Hubbard finished in the second spot with Pettyjohn third. Fourth went to Haus and Williams rounded out the top five. Heats for the 28 cars were won by Hubbard, Williams and Elliott.
Delaware State Championship: (1) Ricky Elliott, (2) Austin Hubbard, (3) Kenny Pettyjohn, (4) Scott Haus, (5) David Williams, (6) Mark Byram, (7) Richard Jarvis Jr., (8) David Hill, (9) Donald Lingo Jr., (10) Kevin Scott Jr., (11) Staci Warrington, (12) Amanda Whaley, (13) Rob Schirmer, (14) Brett Schadel, (15) Mike� Parsons, (16) Kerry King, (17) Hal Browning, (18) Herb Tunis, (19) Sam Schaeffer, (20) Kelly Putz, (21) Bob Geiger, (22) Lou Johnson, (23) David Pettyjohn, (24) Andrew Haus, (25) Andrew Mullins, (26) Roy Deese Jr, (27) Mark Pettyjohn, (28) Dale Lingo. Heat race winners (among 28 cars): Hubbard, Williams, Elliott.
