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Shades of Gray in Victory Lane at Canandaigua Speedway 
Weedsport, NY – The Sportsman Modified division headlined all the 4th of July action Saturday night at Canandaigua Speedway as Steve Gray aboard the #29 Fox Automotive ride gave a redeeming performance around the legendary half-mile track to win the 30-lap feature in addition to the night’s Last Man standing race.
Sportsman Modified From green to checkered, Steve Gray never relinquished the top spot on Saturday night as he ricocheted around the half-miler for 30 consecutive laps. Within five laps of the extended feature Gray had accumulated a half-straightaway lead over Loren Lincoln and Justin Henderson, currently running in the top three. Before the feature went into double digits, Gray began weaving his way in and out of traffic as Canadian driver AJ Lewis broke into a Top Five position. With less than half the circuits completed, Henderson looked to reel in the leader but the set-up of Gray’s #29 deemed to be too much, giving Gray his first win at Canandaigua Speedway this year. Top Five: Steve Gray, Justin Henderson, Eric Gugiere, Dan Wiesner, and AJ Lewis Later on in the night, Gray would continue his good fortune drawing the pole position for the Last Man standing race in which he would lead from green to checkered as well. Street Stock With over $1,000 in money being awarded during Saturday night’s Street Stock feature, it was pretty evident that competition was going to be stronger than ever before as 24 cars took to the field in a thrilling 30 lap feature. Before the first lap could be written into the books a harrowing accident involving five time track champion Mike Welch sent red flags flying as the #00 of Welch ended its night upside down in turn 1. Current point’s leader Welch thankfully walked out of the accident with minor injuries and after the diligent efforts of Canandaigua’s track crew, action would kick off within minutes. Mike Shultz relinquished Ellison of the top spot as the feature got back underway but with Canandaigua’s own Bubba Burnell knocking on Shultz’ door, it was long before the #57b returned the favor. By the seventh circuit, Burnell assumed the lead position as he began separating himself from the field. With Burnell leading the pack, Andy Fisk worked his way from a 12th starting spot to find himself on the 57b’s back door as action reached the halfway point. A caution two laps later brought out by a spin in turn 2 by Ellison would send a gasp across the grandstand area as the leader Burnell pulled into the pits unexpectedly! Fisk would inherit the lead when action resumed and from there the attempts of Ross Marsden aboard the #711 to dethrone the veteran driver fell short as the #33 of Fisk drove into Victory Lane for the $1,000 prize. Top Five: Andy Fisk, Ross Marsden, Blane Smith, Ron Wadforth, Ron Nawkes Special Awards: $100 MJ’s Treasure Chest and Bargain Center Halfway Leader – Bubba Burnell; Parts Plus $100 Non-Canandaigua Top Finisher – Ross Marsden; $100 MJ’s Treasure Chest and Bargain Center Wheel of Fortune winner – Greg Belyea; MJ’s Treasure Chest and Bargain Center Hard Charger Award $100 – Andy Fisk; Spazman Spins Wheel of Fortune winner $50 – Andy Fisk New York Modified Midgets It was a battle for first between father and son in the opening circuits of Saturday night NYMM’s 12 lap feature as Timex Morgan tried to hold off the advances of his son, Zack, aboard the #7 sprint. As the lead position was passed from father to son, Zack seemed to be unstoppable as he began building a sizeable lead on the remaining field. With less than three laps left in the feature a late charge by Jim Lafler couldn’t out shine the performance of Morgan as the #7 sailed into Victory Lane with ease. Pure Stox Despite a broken arm, hot shot Alex Morris found his way back to Victory Lane on Saturday night’s Pure Stox feature. A three wide battle for 1st on lap two gave Morris the inside window he was looking for as snuck past the trio for the lead spot. Saturday night’s festivities would conclude with an elaborate fireworks show celebrating our country’s Independence Day! Results Sportsman Modified - (1) Steve Gray, (2) Justin Henderson, (3) Eric Gugiere, (4) Dan Wiesner, (5) AJ Lewis, (6) Nick Guerierri, (7) Marcus Dinkins, (8) Anthony Rizzardo, (9) Loren Lincoln, (10) Rob Bussey, (11) Darryl Hilkert, (12) Randy McCulloch, (13) Greg Cool, (14) Todd Henderson, (15) Garry Hotelling, (16) Tom Keyes, (17) Rob Humphreys, (18) Greg Birosh, (19) Fran Hilton, (20) Joe Cook Jr, (21) Kane Bristol, (22) Jason Hallett, (23) Kevin Ridley, (24) Chris Mangiarelli, (25) Billy Brown, (26) Phil LaVare, (27) Brady Fultz Street Stocks - (1) Andy Fisk, (2) Russ Marsden, (3) Kevin Smith, (4) Ron Wadforth, (5) Ron Hawker, (6) Blane Smith, (7) Nate Peckham, (8) Chris Fisher, (9) David Pope, (10) Nick Rizzo, (11) Leroy Lewis, (12) Bryan Faulkner, (13) Carl Cleveland, (14) Wayne Ellison, (15) Bubba Burnell, (16) Greg Belyea, (17) Mike Schultz, (18) Mike Rasbeck, (19) Dave Mannise, (20) Mike Welch, (21) Frank Guerrieri Jr, (22) Scott Smith Pure Stox - (1) Alex Morris, (2) Marc Minutolo, (3) Ross Lurcock, (4) Eric Chapman, (5) Corey Hunt, (6) Floyd Bush, (7) George LaVare Jr, (8) Roger Bush, (9) Wade Young, (10) Mike Minutolo, (11) Chris Gingerich, (12) Dave Bush, (13) Brian Lyons |
