Tonkin’s Misfortune Gives Afton Modified Win to Smith…Clark and Mady Cop Sportsman Mains while Cuozzo, Green, and Cornell all win again
Friday, May 18, 2018 Racing ~ Results
Afton, NY — The second week of racing at the Afton Motorsports Park saw three new feature winners in the Modified and both Sportsman divisions. While in the Street Stock, IMCA Modified, and Four Cylinder Truck divisions there were repeat feature winners.
The ZMK Construction Modified feature saw Rusty Smith inherit the lead when leader Brett Tonkin broke a rear end with nine laps to go. Smith went on to the popular win over JR Hurlburt, Mitch Gibbs, Jeremy Smith, and Darwin R. Greene.
Rusty Smith and Brett Tonkin brought the Modified 30 lap feature field to green with Tonkin grabbing the lead over Smith, Paul Jensen, JR Hurlburt, and Nick Nye. Hurlburt got past Jensen for third on lap six and set sail after the leading duo.
With the race staying under green flag conditions the Smith car was becoming quicker and quicker each passing lap and on lap ten he got past Tonkin for the lead. Smith entered heavy lap traffic one lap later but he sliced through these cars with ease to keep a comfortable lead.
The first yellow of the race came out on lap 13 as Jensen and Nye both got tangled up with a lap car to end both of their nights.
On the double file restart Tonkin once again was able to get the jump on Smith to grab the lead over Hurlburt, Mitch Gibbs, and Jeremy Smith.
The action behind the top five was hotly contested to say the least with a gaggle of cars all racing for positions sixth through tenth.
Tonkin’s great run ended on lap 21 as the rear end broke entering turn one to bring out the caution. Rusty Smith was now handed the lead over Hurlburt, Gibbs, Jeremy Smith, and Darwin R. Greene.
On the lap 21 restart Hurlburt tried to sneak under Smith for the lead but Smith would have nothing of it. Despite one final restart with six laps to go Rusty Smith in for the popular win over Hurlburt, Gibbs, Jeremy Smith, and Greene.
Qualifying for the 24 car field saw heat wins go to Rusty Smith, Tonkin, and Jensen.
ZMK Construction Modifieds Finish
- Rusty Smith,
- JR Hurlburt,
- Mitch Gibbs,
- Jeremy Smith,
- Darwin R. Greene,
10. ANDY BACHETTI
Notes – despite the extra work during the week put in by the track maintenance crew in removing the new surface, the track still did end up being soft and rough in spots. Track promoter Ron Ford and his staff vowed to once again put in many long hours to get the track straightened out, plus Mother Nature needs to co-operate too. For the second consecutive week Craig Hanson claimed the Consla Stone Products Hard Charger Award in the Modifieds worth $100 and this award will be a weekly award. The Trophy Guy has signed on to be the division sponsor for the IMCA Modifieds. Tired Iron Repair of Saquoit, NY came on board as the Kids Club sponsor this past week. Once again the inside track marking uke tires took a beating on this night. Track management would like to thank all of the Modifieds and IMCA Modifieds who brought their car over to the midway at intermission for Fan Appreciation Night, which was very popular with the fans.
Next week a big seven division show, with no increase in admission will kick off the Memorial Day Weekend as the Lightening Sprints join the card and it will be their Fan Appreciation Night. Also on the card are the ZMKConstruction Modifieds, Chambers & O’Hara Open Sportsman, Butler Auto Sales Crate Sportsman, Rinker Insurance Agency Street Stocks, The Trophy Guy IMCA Modifieds, and the Four Cylinder Trucks. Pit gates open at 4, grandstand gates open at 4:30, hot laps are at 6 pm, and the first heat goes green at 7 pm sharp. Pit admission is $30 with no license required, grandstand admission is $12, senior citizens age 62 and up are $10, youth aged 9 to 14 are $5, and 8 and under are free with a adult admission.
For more information on Afton Motorsports Park explore the website or call 607-639-DIRT or 607-624-3772.
Afton Motorsports Park is fast, fun, and furious – come check us out!
Coming Events
Friday May 25th – 7pm – Big Six Show plus Lightening Sprints and Fan Appreciation Night for Lightening Sprints – No increase in admission.
Friday June 1st – 7pm – CRSA Sprints plus Modifieds, Open Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Eric Wagner Memorial Truck race – Increased admission.
Friday June 8th – 7 pm – Big Six Show plus Fan Appreciation Night for Open and Crate Sportsman.