|
|
|
JON MCKENNEDY
WINS SECOND MTS RACE IN A ROW AT STAFFORD
Tire and Pit Strategy Make the Difference
by Denise DuPont |
 The
Exit Realty Modified Touring Series (MTS) made their second visit to
Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday July 21st. This time there were no
mandatory pit stop so strategies belonged solely to the teams. With
100 green laps of racing on their agenda the MTS drivers took the
green flag and started their quest to be the one in the top position
at the end. Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford, MA inherited the lead on
lap 30 and went forward to capture his second MTS series win at
Stafford.
“This year has been amazing.” Stated McKennedy in Victory Lane.
“This is a team sport and a lot of guys help me to get here. That
includes the car builder Eddie Flemke at Race Works, Mike Petit of
Petit Race Engines, my crew and everyone involved. They all give me
a good car and it makes my job easier. Without them and my sponsors
I could not do it. Anyone that wants to buy a house it is Exit
Realty all the way!”
The first caution for the night occurred on lap 30 when Steve Masse
of Bellingham, MA and TJ Bleau of Troy, NH appeared to make contact
on the front stretch. Masse pitted with a left front flat. It was
the end of Bleau’s night. Other teams took advantage of the caution
to pit, take fresh rubber, make adjustments or get gas. Staying out
and now the lead car was McKennedy. His car was dialed in and he was
ready to go racing. “It was a tough decision. The first fifty laps I
was really not driving as hard as I could. I was only at about
seventy-five percent as hard as I could. I wanted to make sure I had
some left at the end. Rowan (Pennink) was tough on me and I wanted
to make sure I had something for those last 30 laps. He was
basically on my bumper and I could not get away from him. But in the
long run I was in the come away car of which I was much more
comfortable.”
 “All
in all it worked out,” confessed McKennedy. “It was a tough race and
it is great to be here at Stafford. It is an awesome track and I
really enjoy running it.”
Woody Pitkat of Sturbridge, MA had a great run at his home track for
a runner up finish. “I should be happy, but I am not happy with the
way that the car was handling. I had a real good pit stop. My crew
made some adjustments which made it (car) a little bit better. After
that I had to come up through the field. It was a good race and I
appreciate everyone running me clean. Jon and I ran side by side for
a few laps there. That is what we are here for – put on a show for
the fans. It was a good night, I had a good run and I have a good
start for the ‘Chase for the Championship.“
Richad Savary of Canton, MA ended his night with a podium finish.
“The car was much better tonight here. It did not run well in the
heat, but in the feature it was good. We made a quick stop and put a
tire on it. At the end we were coming forward and I wish we had made
that move a little earlier. We started the chase off tonight and I
got a top three which is a nice start.”
Rounding up the top five were Tommy Barrett for fourth and Mike
Holdridge for fifth. Dylan Kopec, Calvin Carroll, Ryan Preece, Les
Hinckley and Eric Goodale complete the top ten.
|
Source:
Denise DuPont /
TheChromeHorn.com
Posted:
July 22, 2017 |
|
|
