Little Valley Speedway
Knight overcomes Hedman at Little Valley
LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. (June 8) — Reigning champion Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., overtook pole-starting Bump Hedman of Sugar Grove, Pa., on a restart on the last lap for his second straight victory on the Kennedy Motorsports United Late Model Series. Knight earned $3,000 for the victory.
The fourth-starting Knight, who previously won May 24 at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa., scored his sixth career series victory to move into a tie for fourth all-time on the tour’s victory list.
“When it started locking down and the tires started working, it was game on. I knew I had a chance," Knight said. "I could steer right through there. I could tell my car could come off the corners better than the other guys. I just took advantage of that. I don’t think I would have got Bump (without the late caution). He was good. He ran a clean race. It’s kind of disheartening for him to lose on the last lap. It’s racing. It worked to my advantage this time. Next time, it’ll be against me.
“I just anticipated him (on the final restart). I’ve raced enough with Bump. He sometimes likes to slow start a little bit, and you’ve just got to be ready. I hit it just right this time and didn’t spin my tires. I got it down in there where I needed it.”
Jason Dupont of Cyclone, Pa., Memorial Day weekend’s unsanctioned winner at Little Valley, dropped Hedman to third at the finish in the fourth ULMS event of the season.
Notes: Knight’s Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Jay’s Auto Wrecking, Arrowhead Wine Cellars, Knight Operating Services, Ripley Machine & Tool and Keystone Alliance. ... The evening’s action was sponsored by Emerling Chevrolet. ... Hedman was looking for just his second series victory and first since a 2008 triumph at Little Valley. ... David Scott of Garland, Pa., who broke his wrist last month in a racing accident at Eriez Speedway, was scheduled to return to action. ... Dick Barton won the night's Crate Late Model feature. ... The tour heads to Stateline Speedway on Saturday for the $3,000-to-win Lynn Seamens Memorial, which includes ULMS Late Models and six other divisions.
Super Spring Special: (1) Mike Knight, (2) Jason Dupont, (3) Bump Hedman, (4) Dick Barton, (5) Boom Briggs, (6) Robbie Blair, (7) Dutch Davies, (8) David Scott, (9) Greg Oakes, (10) Brent Rhebergen, (11) Ron Davies, (12) Billy Dickson, (13) Jeff Hoffman, (14) Chris Hackett, (15) Chad Valone, (16) Matt Lux, (17) Brady Wonderling, (18) Randy Lobb, (19) Denny Fenton, (20) T.J. Downs, (21) Bob Close, (22) Kyle Beimel, (23) Dennis Lunger Jr. Scratched: Paul Grigsby Heat race winners (among 24 cars): Boom Briggs, Jason Dupont, Dick Barton.
