GERSTER USES CRAFTY MOVE TO CLAIM JAMES/O’CONNOR MEMORIAL
Salem, IN – August 8, 2015 – Brian Gerster used a crafty move to take the lead en-route to his second consecutive Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial win Saturday night at Salem Speedway. The win was his first Must See Racing Sprint Series (MSRSS) presented by Engine Pro feature victory of the year.
Saturday’s 56th running of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial marked the 5th consecutive year that the event has been sanctioned by MSRSS. A nice crowd was on hand for the historic event.
The list of former winners entering Saturday’s event was impressive. Parnelli Jones, A.J.Foyt, Mario Andretti, Pancho Carter, Rich Vogler, Ed Carpenter, Bobby Unser, Tony Stewart, Kenny Irwin Jr., and Bob Sweikert were just a few of the past winners. Gerster was hoping to add his name to this impressive list again as he entered the event as the defending chapion.
John Turnbull Jr. led the first six laps with Jimmy McCune close behind. Gerster, who quickly worked his way into third position, made a spectacular dive entering turn three on lap six. Gerster’s machine stuck perfectly, passing the two leaders, and in the processs, bolted him into the lead. Gerster then began to slow around lap 16 which allowed McCune and Chris Neuenschwander to catch the leader. At that point, it appeared a victory wasn’t certain for Gerster. The trio ran nose-to-tail before Gerster began to eventually motor away and build a sizeable lead the remainder of the event.
“There weren’t any issues with the car” explained Gerster in victory lane.” When I realized Jimmy was back there I knew it was time to get going. Jimmy’s a smart racer and I didn’t wanna give him any opportunity’s to steal the lead. It’s real satisfying to win consecutive Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial’s. There have been a lot of great drivers win this race. It’s neat to have your name added alongside those guys” concluded Gerster.
The only serious incident of the night occurred on lap 7 when Christian Koehler’s machine lost a left rear tire, spun and did a 360 before coming to a stop. Koehler was unharmed but was finished for the night.
MSRSS will next be in action next Saturday night at Anderson Speedway. For more info log onto
www.mustseeracing.com
56th JOE JAMES/PAT O’CONNOR MEMORIAL 30 LAP FEATURE FINISH
1. Brian Gerster (50m)
2. Jimmy McCune (88)
3. Chris Neuenschwander (10)
4. Kevin Blue (6)
5. John Turnbull Jr. (12)
6. Mike Stutsman (21)
7. Christian Koehler (0)
8. Brian Vaughn (71)
9. Bobby Santos (22) DNS
10. Anthony McCune (44) DNS
