September 7
Merritt Speedway,
Lake City, MI
Sanction: Unsanctioned Supers (Garry McKinley Tribute) - $10,000
Information provided by: Track reports (last updated September 8, 12:18 pm)
Marcoullier masters Merritt for $10,000
Garry McKinley Tribute
- Dona Marcoullier
- Nick Kurtz
- David Mielke
- Eric Spangler
- David Hilliker
- Steven Hilliker
- Cody Bauer
- Greg Gokey
- Josh Knoll
- Timmy Near
- J.C. Witherspoon
- Torrey Ahrens
- Wade Witherspoon
- Mike Staszak
- John Goodrich
- Steve Nieuwenhuis
- Rob Lewis
- Mike Nelson
- Ryan Steig
- J.T. Anderson
- Brandon Thirlby
- Ryan Lanphierd
- Matt Shipley
- Logan Love
What won the race: After capturing a Friday preliminary feature, fourth-starting Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., soared to his second win of the weekend Saturday in the Garry McKinley Tribute at Merritt Speedway. Holding off eighth-starting Nick Kurtz, Marcoullier pocketed a career-high $10,000.
Quotable: “I know (Merritt) took some criticism this year, but this racetrack is awesome. It’s the best it’s been all year,” Marcoullier said. “I’m ready to go another 100 laps. Keep the hard work up and there’s good things to come here."
Key notes: David Hilliker led early but Marcoullier moved up early to challenge. ... Marcoullier took command with a backstretch pass on the ninth lap. ... The most serious caution was for an early pileup between turns one and two that left Ryan Lanphierd's car resting on its right side; the wreck was triggered when a slowing Seve Nieuwenhuis collected Brandon Thirlby. ... Mike Nelson pounded the wall at the end of the frontstretch to draw another of the 75-lapper's cautions. ... The most serious yellow The weekend paid tribute to Garry McKinley, the track’s former Late Model and modified champion of Fife Lake, Mich., who died Aug. 9, 2018, at age 71. ... The track typically runs DIRTcar rules, but this weekend's action was unsanctioned.
On the move: Runner-up Kurtz of Greenville, Mich., started eighth; Timmy Near of Midland, Mich., started 24th and finished 10th.
Winner's sponsors: Marcoullier’s Black Diamond Race Car is powered by a Rhyne Competition Engine and sponsored by Dennis Craft Construction, Patrick Plumbing, Randall’s Collision, Michigan Steel and Trim, Jimmy’s Collision, Roscommon Auto Recyclers, McBain Body Shop, Wild’s TrueValue Hardware, Allstar Performance and QuickCar Racing Products.
Points chase: Entering the weekend, David Mielke of Gladwin, Mich., led Merritt's weekly standings with 341 points over Eric Spangler (319) and Nick Kurtz (272).
Current weather: Partly Cloudy, 60°F
Car count: 25
Fast qualifier: David Hilliker
Time: 13.835 seconds
Polesitter: Cody Bauer
Heat race winners: Nick Kurtz, Greg Gokey, Dona Marcoullier
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.