Originally Posted by Jerry Shaw:
One of the things that I really love about racing is how each race takes on it's own unique personality, based on track conditions and all the competitors ability, on that given night, to adapt to those conditions. Mike made a keen observation, IMO, about Kenny's advantage that he gained by being relegated to run in the B-Main. Dickie Gaines did, too. The track had went from a fast one in the heats, that favored the gassers, to one that punished those same guys in he feature and favored the ones who would have to pick their spots and finesse the red clay. One particular battle in the semi-feature proved to be a harbinger of things to come. It was the excellent fight between Kevin Thomas, Jr and Nic Fass, for the last transfer spot. They were side by side the whole race. KT standing on the gas, all over the berm and Nic hitting his spots, running a lower line, looking almost effortless. KT got the spot, but he got it barely. With much effort. And race fans had the luxury of watching this battle, as the leader (Niflis) had checked out, run off and his and left everyone else in the dust.
The feature was stacked up front, with the exception being Bloomington Speedway big fish Brady Short, starting back in the 5th row. So you had a receipe for a great race, right from the outset. So, the first part of the race was a rumble between Stanbrough, Boat, Clauson, Shuman Bland and Cottle, with Short moving up from the drop of the green. The there was a yellow, early on in the race, when I think the same thought dawned on everybody who was paying attention. And that was "Geez. Where the hell did Niflis come from!! He came from the B-Main and he's in like 6th or 7th!!" Then after they went back green, one by one, he caught, passed and drove away from some of racing's best. Including Brady Short, who's been almost invincible at this place, all year. To sat Kenny Niflis was impressive last night would be an understatement. I bet Sheldon Kinser would have been impressed by that drive.
Jerry
Jerry,
Excellent points. The second half of that race was all about throttle control and keep the right rear tire under the car. How many times do you see someone like Kenny have that type of race and let it get away from them. He seized the moment and drove it on home to victory lane. Kenny sure made some fans last night with that run.
I am sure that Sheldon was smiling along with a lot of others.