Delaware International Speedway
Fall Championship gives Elliott an $8,000 payday
DELMAR, Del. (Oct. 20) — Ricky Elliott of Seaford, Del., captured his fourth consecutive Delaware Fall Championship, earning $8,005 for a 50-lap victory Sunday at Delaware International Speedway. The polesitting Elliott led all the way at the half-mile oval he’s dominated all season.
“I can’t say enough for Charlie (Cathell) for redoing the track”, said Elliott while his car spouted steam in vicctory lane. “It helped us a ton. The car would drive wherever I needed to go and I kept it in clean air. Starting position is everything.”
Austin Hubbard of Seaford was second followed by Donald Lingo Jr. of Millsboro, Del. Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and Nick Davis of Gumboro, Del., rounded out the top five finishers in the season finale.
Elliott started on the pole by virtue of having the quicker time over Hubbard, the second-heat winner, and at the drop of the green the pair immediately separated themselves from the field. Lingo was able to reel in the leaders and by lap six was challenging Hubbard for second while Davis took fourth from Jamie Lathroum on the eighth lap.
Kerry King came to a stop bringing out the yellow on lap 18. Under the yellow, Rick Eckert ducked into the pits and returned, but Eckert slowed two laps later to draw another yellow. The third quick caution appeared on lap 22 for the fifth-running Lathroum.
Elliott found some breathing room on the restart while Lingo battled Hubbard for second and Andrew Mullins moved into the top five. The field rolled for 21 consecutive green-flag laps and Dan Stone cracked the top five on lap 27, but Eckert worked his way back to the front and moved Stone out of the top five by lap 42.
Hubbard was closing the gap on Elliott when the final caution flew on lap 44 for Amanda Whaley’s spin. Elliott kept Hubbard in check the rest of the way to wrap up a victory in the event delayed a day by rain.
Mike Wharton won the 25-lap Crate Late Model feature over Sparky White and Joe Warren.
Delaware Fall Championship: (1) Ricky Elliott, (2) Austin Hubbard, (3) Donald Lingo Jr., (4) Rick Eckert, (5) Nick Davis, (6) Dan Stone, (7) Roy Deese, (8) Andrew Mullins, (9) Mark Byram, (10) Amanda Whaley, (11) Herb Tunis, (12) Lou Johnson, (13) Jamie Lathroum, (14) Kerry King, (15) Kerry King Jr., (16) Bob Geiger. Scratched: Chad Hollenbeck. Heat race winners (among 17 cars): Elliott, Hubbard.
