I-96 Speedway
Thirlby becomes first two-time winner on MDC
Brandon Thirlby becomes the first two-time winner on the Michigan Dirt Cup. (Steve Datema)
LAKE ODESSA, Mich. (June 30) — Series points leader Brandon Thirlby of Traverse City, Mich., won from his pole position Saturday at I-96 Speedway to become the Michigan Dirt Cup’s first two-time winner.
Thirlby, who won the opener on the first-year series on May 19 in Lake Odessa, earned $1,500 for the 40-lap victory at the 3/8-mile oval. | Slideshow
Zack Olger of St. Johns, Mich., was second followed by Rich Neiser of Fruitport, Mich., Thirlby’s closest pursuer in the points chase. Eighth-starting Ryan VanderVeen of Six Lakes, Mich., and Curtis Roberts of Coleman, Mich., rounded out the top five finishers.
Thirlby and former track champion Eric Spangler of Lake City, Mich., started on the front row with Spangler leading the first four laps. Thirlby took command on the fifth lap, brining Neiser and Olger along with him while Roberts tried to join the battle.
Thirlby was able to get a cushion of lapped cars between him and his pursuers and ended up controlling the rest of the race for his third victory of the season overall at I-96 Speedway.
Notes: Thirlby’s MasterSbilt Race Car is sponsored by Thirlby Automotive, Remy and WarpaintGFX.com. ... The track’s Late Model division is sponsored by Miller Lite. ... Thirlby leads Rich Neiser by 10 points in I-96’s weekly division points. ... Thirlby’s younger brother Collin won the night’s modified feature. ... Michigan Dirt Cup competitors take July off before returning to action Aug. 3-4 at Mount Pleasant Speedway and Merritt Raceway.
Michigan Dirt Cup @ I-96: (1) Brandon Thirlby, (2) Zack Olger, (3) Rich Neiser, (4) Ryan VanderVeen, (5) Curtis Roberts, (6) Brad Harden, (7) Mark Andersen, (8) Dusty Moore, (9) Eric Spangler, (10) Adam Thrush, (11) Dan Hubbell, (12) Bill Bray, (13) Phil Ausra, (14) Dave Hartman, (15) Keith Gentz, (16) Justin McNeill, (17) Brook Brasington, (18) Bry Sloan, (19) Dean Wilkerson, (20) Carl Ries, (21) Tom Sprague Jr., (22) Kyle Borgman, (23) Bob Harden. Heat race winners (among 23 cars): Spangler, Thrush, Thirlby.
