6/13/2023
Owosso Speedway
Kyle Crump Wins the Big O Classic
For the first time since 2017, the stars of the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour would invade the Owosso Speedway for the return of the Big O Classic, their first of two visits for the 2023 season.
The evening would start off with the first visit for the MCR Dwarf Car Series. After a fast and wild start Zack Nichols held the point before a caution for a barrel rolling Nicole Olmstead put a temporary halt to the action. After she was removed from the car no worse for wear, the racing would continue. Cei Bowen would flex some muscle as he powered his way to the front of the field. He would not be headed again as he took the victory. Troy Hoffman was second over Nichols, Matt Kemp, and Dave Wylie. Kemp set a new track record in qualifying with a 15.731.
The Reefer Peterbilt All-American Trucks would line up next for one of the most unusual features in recent memory. Zane Cruz and Anthony Hart would both spend time at the front of the field, but both would fade with intermittent issues that would see them fade from the lead. This would put victory in the hands of Greg Long Jr., who was overcome with emotion in victory lane as he took his first win of the season. Anthony Duvernois was second, Jeremy Neph third. Cruz was fourth over Hart in fifth. Cruz had initially broken the track record in qualifying, but his time was disallowed after an issue with technical inspection, giving credit for fast time to Hart with a 18.807.
The next event would be the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour running the sixth edition of the Big O Classic. This event would be an opportunity of raise the stock of drivers with deep roots at the Owosso Speedway. Kyle Crump, the 2010 Champion of what is now the Sport Compacts class, would dominate the race, leading 97 of 100 circuits at the Owosso Speedway. He was challenged at various times by two-time Series Champion Dan Leeck, but the Birch Run, Michigan driver would have to settle for runner-up ahead of Kevin Cremonesi. Barrett Polhemus and Chase Burda completed the top five. Brian Campbell established a new track record with a 14.912. The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour returns to the Owosso Speedway on August 19 for their crown jewel event, the Masters of the Pros.
The Valley Truck Center Modifieds would be next up. David McManus would top the 22-car field on his way to his first victory of the season. Chris Stearns would be the car to beat in the opening stages, but McManus would get to the front and not be touched, as he went on to take the win. Steven Pelky continued his outstanding underdog season finishing runner up over Stearns. Aaron Taylor would come home fourth in his first Owosso Speedway start of the year, while Curtis Spencer completed the top five. Tim Lahar would set a new record in qualifying with a 15.172.
The MacAllister Rentals Sport Compacts would close out the evening with three feature events. Matthew Elsey Jr. would continue his dominance in the A class, slicing through traffic as he claimed his fifth straight feature win. John Eastman Jr. would give it his all to try topple Elsey but would once again have to settle for the bridesmaid role. Pat Dent was third, with Mitch Dorin and Nick Murdock completing the top five. The B feature would see some controversy. Matt Elsey Sr. would be the first to finish the race after a valiant drive from the back to get back to the front and cross the line first. Unfortunately he would go to his pit before post race technical inspection which resulted in a disqualification, giving Zane Cruz his second win of the season. Drew Blom was a season high second, with Keith Hazel, Jeff Asmus, and CJ French closing out the top five. The C Feature would be another come from behind victory with Doug Smith having to go to the rear and fight his way back to the top to claim his first win of the season. Tyler Vanderhoff was second over Chad Baker. The rest of the top five was Josh Shiver and Bobby Prather. Matthew Elsey Jr. would once again lower the track record, turning a 17.105.
Earlier in the day the Showcase Auto Sales Mini Wedges were in competition. Blake Childers Jr. won the Junior Division feature over Brentley Evans and Cohen Childers. Aubrey Bowman won the Senior Division feature over Jackson Wheeler and Laylah Bowman.
Article Credit: Chris Fobbe
Submitted By: Chris Fobbe
