[Jerry Shaw]

There were some yellows that kind of kept the race from really kicking into gear, early. But once it got going, Justin Grant jumped out front and had some margin until Chad Boat began to close the distance. Grant at the very top, using the curb that was up there and Boat at the very bottom of the track. For many laps, they would cross the start/finish line almost even. Grant was much better launching off of turn two, but Boat would get in and out of turns 3 and 4 faster and this would go on for many laps. About half the race, until Justin pulled away a little and Tyler Courtney went around Chad to take second and close the distance on Grant. When those two were occupying pretty much the same space for a few laps, I think everybody knew we had one of those matchups that was going to guarantee another barn burner. Two of the most exciting and aggressive drivers out there. Who were former team mates. And weren't exactly presidents of each other fan clubs. "It was on!" But just that quick, Justin's riding of the curb would take it's toll and at the top of turn 1 his right rear would explode and this duel was over, before it even really had a chance to get really good. By this point, Chris Windom had caught and passed more than half the field, from his starting spot near the back. And while all this was unfolding, for my money the best battle of the race had broken out between Brady Bacon and Logan Seavey. it didn't last as long as the first one between Justin and Chad, but it was more intense. And was definitely at closer quarters. At this time, Tyler had firm control of the top spot, but once Logan finally put Brady behind him, you knew who the last remaining and most serious threat to his lead was. Even though Boat was still hanging tough. Eventually, Seavey took second with about 7 or 8 to go and was very fast around the very top. Courtney also fast, but just a notch lower on the track. He would catch him as the laps wound down, but catching Tyler Courtney and passing him are two different things. Going into turn three on the white flag lap, Logan dove to try a big slider. But he just didn't have enough room to pull it off, so he eased up some and Tyler would take the checkered flag. That and Windom passing most of the field to get the hard charger made it a nice night for CMR and gives them some much needed momentum going into the last 2 nights of Midget Week. It was no Instant Classic, like the wild one we all saw the night before, but it was an exciting race none the less. And you always feel fortunate anytime you get to sit on the hillside and watch these guys duke it out on the beautiful red clay of Bloomington.

Jerry