Expo Speedway
Blair holds off Scott after Pegher falters at Expo
By Mike Leone
Fastrak Northeast SeriesCORTLAND, Ohio (July 5) — Inheriting the lead on the 11th lap when Mike Pegher Jr. of Wexford, Pa., lost a left-rear wheel, Max Blair of Centerville, Pa., led the rest of the 30-lapper at Expo Speedway to extend his points lead on the Fastrak Northeast Touring Series. The $2,000 payday matched the career high for the third-generation driver.
"Mike had the car to beat tonight, but we had luck on our side," the third-starting Blair said. "This is just awesome. I've never seen a crowd like this. I have to thank them for supporting this. This was a lot of fun and I hope we can come back next year — I love it here. My dad's here and that just makes it better."
Fifth-starting David Scott of Garland, Pa., made a last-ditch charge at catching Blair on a two-lap dash to the finish after a late caution. Scott made a strong run into turn one and appeared to have the pass made, but Blair drove hard underneath Scott and the frontrunners made contact. Scott lost momentum and Blair pulled back ahead to finish off the victory.
Scott finished second while Bobby Powell of Waterford, Pa., was third for his fourth top-five finish in six series events. Gary Knollinger of Triadelphia, W.Va., was fourth and Dan Angelicchio of Greensburg, Pa., rallied from 22nd to finish fifth.
Russ King of Bristolville, Ohio, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series rookie candidate make his Fastrak Northeast debut, started 20th and ran as high as third before contact from Tommy Schirnhofer Jr. sent king into the infield tire barriers on the 28th lap.
Pegher started outside the front row and led the first 10 laps, but following a restart, something broke in his car's rear end and the loss of the wheel knocked him out of the race.
The race was a makeup of a July 1 rainout, when 37 teams were entered. The next Fastrak Northeast event is scheduled for July 11 at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa.
Fastrak Northeast @ Expo: (1) Max Blair, (2) David Scott, (3) Bobby Powell, (4) Gary Knollinger, (5) Dan Angelicchio, (6) Butch Lambert, (7) Joel Prosser, (8) Bud Watson, (9) Gary Miller Jr., (10) Bob Diver, (11) Garrett Mott, (12) Tommy Schirnhofer Jr., (13) Josh Double, (14) John Watson, (15) Dave Airgood Jr., (16) Russ King, (17) Jason Rider, (18) Jon Law, (19) Shane Bambarger, (20) Dennis Lunger Jr., (21) Mike Pegher Jr., (22) Joe Martin, (23) Tom Copeman, (24) Chris Angelicchio. Heat race winners (among 28 cars): Pegher, Schirnhofer, Airgood. Consolation winner: B. Watson.
