[Jerry Shaw]

I agree, Chris. That was an incredible race! Most people expected to see a showdown between Levi Jones and Brady Short. Which makes sense, because they're two of the best drivers in the nation. But, instead, they saw a wild and riveting shootout and test of wills between Chase Stockon and Braylon Fitzpatrick. That was one of those races that said a lot about the that character of the main two combatants, as well. Because there was a time that it looked like Chase had separated himself from the Braylon and Boespflug (who should come to TSS more often) and was on his way, but Braylon got up off the matt and came up firing, to somehow get the lead back. Then, after he rested the lead back, on the 24th lap and looked sure to win, Chase mounted a comeback. The race looked over as they took the white flag. But, when Chase came off of turn two, you could tell that he didn't think it was over, because he was just standing on it and had an incredible run down the backstretch and a great dive into turn three. It was a case where one guy saw daylight and just went for it. And somehow made it stick. It's a shame that either of those guys had to lose, because they both turned in winning performances. They provided us with a battle and a race that people will be talking about for a long time. Chase has always shown a lot of heart and that he has much more talent than he has funding. And Braylon is improving at an alarming rate, right now.

None of this wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Tom performing his magic. Track conditions looked pretty good from that start. But you could tell there was something that he and Blake didn't like, because after hot laps and before the feature they made some major adjustments. And as usual, their fine tuning paid off, in spades. They set the stage for these guys to bring the house down. And did they ever. Because this was an Instant Classic! Even compared to the standard, run of the mill Haubstadt thriller.