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It’s Two In A Row For Craig Von Dohren at Big Diamond Speedway
It was all Craig Von Dohren last night in the 25-lap 358 Modified feature event.
t as he powered his way around a strong running John Willman on lap 10 and went on to win his second feature in a row. It was also Von Dohren’s second win of the season at Big Diamond.
“We had a really good car tonight” cited Von Dohren. “I wasn’t sure where to go tonight and everyone was running the bottom, so I really had no choice but to go the top. But once I got out front I went back down to the bottom and figured if somebody was going to go around me then I would have to race them. We got a good jump early starting eleventh and being able to
move up quickly. I think the outside lane was still a little wet when they started the race and they all had a problem getting going so that helped us pass some cars early on.”
Scott Albert brought the field to the green flag on Mattera’s Electrical and General Contracting night at the track, but it was John Willman surging out to the lead early on. Billy Pauch Jr, Duane Howard and Craig Von Dohren were on the move early on as they outside lane had trouble getting going on the initial start to all drive up to the front early.
Von Dohren who usually makes his way to the front using the low line was flying high on the outside tonight as he powered around Willman on the outside of turn two to take the lead on lap ten. Willman who has struggled so far in 2018 was on his game tonight as he never let Von Dohren get away from him and was right on the back of the 2017 track champion’s bumper each and every lap never letting the leader get too far in front.
The caution came on lap 15 when Jeff Strunk came up lame with a flat tire. On the restart Von Dohren stayed out front with Willman continuing to hold off a howling pack of drivers behind him consisting of Billy Pauch Jr, Duane Howard and Ryan Godown. The racing was instense to say the least behind Willman as another yellow appeared for the spinning car of TJ Lilly.
The green came out for only one lap as a multi-car pileup once again slowed the pace with all cars being able to continue. This would prove to be the last yellow of the race and when the race resumed it was once again Von Dohren leading the way with the surprising Willman staying right with him.
Eventually Von Dohren was able to put a little space between himself and Willman as Godown, Howard and Pauch Jr all started to put the pressure on Willman. Godown and Howard battled extremely hard lap after lap with Godown eventually able to get by for third. Godown tried every trick in the book to get by Willman but the “Ultimate Underdog” Willman was up to the challenge.
Von Dohren streaked under the checkered flag to pick up the win with Willman getting a much-needed runner-up finish. Godown, Howard and Pauch Jr completed the top five. Finishing sixth through tenth were Kevin Beach Jr, Jared Umbenhaurer, Ryan Krachun, Kris Graver and Frank Porreca.
Everyone at Pioneer Pole Buildings would like to congratulate Craig Von Dohren on his victory at Big Diamond Speedway!