Ricky Thornton Jr. smoked the competition Friday night at Lakeside Speedway, literally.
The driver of the Certified Inspection Service No. 20RT Excel Floor Covering/ D&E Outside Services/ Lethal Chassis Modified nursed a failing engine in the final circuits to claim the 5th Annual Grant Junghans Memorial.
“The motor started to let go the second half of the race, but I wasn’t going to pull off while I was leading,” Thornton said. “Thanks to everyone that came out and helped tonight. Also, thanks to the Junghans family and everyone involved for putting on such a great event. Grant touched so many lives and this event is a true testament to his character.”
A field of 118 United States Racing Association (USRA) Modifieds converged at Lake Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas on Friday night. Ricky Thornton Jr. grabbed a heat race victory to lock into the pole position for the $10,102-to-win main event.
Thornton set the pace from the start of the 42-lap main event, engaging in a spirited battle with Jordan Grabouski during the opening laps. Grabouski was able to slide in front to lead lap 6 but relinquished the lead back to Thornton on the seventh lap.
The final 32 circuits went caution free, allowing Thornton to pull away to a commanding lead. However, Thornton’s machine began to slow drastically as he past the flagstand with two laps remaining.
By the time Thornton came back around for the white flag, second-running Tyler Wolff had closed rapidly and only had a lapped car between himself and the leader. However, Wolff would have difficulty navigating lapped traffic, allowing Thornton to hold on for the win. Thornton took the checkers and the $10,102 top prize as he ride exploded in a cloud of smoke.
Wolff finished second with Lance Mari, Terry Phillips, and Lucas Schott rounding out the Top-5 competitors.
For complete results from this event, please visit www.USRARacing.com.
