Lernerville Speedway
May 21, 2016
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Precise Racing Products DIRTcar Late Models

Making only their second appearance of the season, the Precise Late Models looked like a rusty bunch in parts of their feature event as evidenced by a steady stream of cautions that plagued the first half of the race. But once the rust wore off, the race became smoother and the action became thrilling as Jared Miley managed to hold off a furious late race charge from Russ King.

Michael Lake, who'd looked extremely impressive on Opening Night, led the field to the green flag flanked by Miley. Lake won the drag race to the first set of turns while behind him, former track champion Dave Hess Jr. floated above the cushion coming out of turn two causing him to fall back several spots from his fourth starting position. Ed Ferree brought out the first of several caution flags in the early going, and on the first restart, Lake made for the top side of the speedway followed by Miley, John Flinner, Matt Lux, and a hard charging Russ King.

Following a caution for a Dan Swartzlander spin eight laps into the main event, Miley found his way to the inside of and past Lake while King jumped into the top three. Lake would not give up and made a desperate attempt to retake the lead, while behind them, 19th starting Michael Norris had worked his way up 10 spots in less than 10 laps. On the 11th circuit, Lake's car stopped on the backstretch, and Hess Jr.'s hopes were dashed when Tony Musolino made hard contact to bring out yet another caution. Norris would slide off the surface in turn four on the ensuing restart to end his forward progress for the night, and the table was then set for a frantic finish.

The final restart on lap 13 saw Miley take command of the race followed by King, Flinner, Ferree and Lux. The top five all stayed up top in nose to tail fashion as Miley started to pull away from his closest pursuers, but behind Miley and the second running King, Flinner, Ferree and Lux battled hard for positions three through five. The first lapped traffic started to emerge on lap 19 and Miley floated through it with ease; putting distance between himself and King. Flinner slowed on lap 23 and exited the surface, sparing the yellow flag. But just as it seemed Miley was destined for Dlubak Powder Coatings Victory Lane, King made up ground in a hurry and was in position to make one last ditch effort for the win in the last set of turns, but came up short and Miley crossed the line first to take his 24th career Lernerville victory. In doing so, Miley took sole possession of sixth all time in Late Model wins; one ahead of Bob Wearing Jr. and Hall of Famer Blackie Watt.

"It was pretty treacherous out there on the cushion," Miley said. "It was really rough. It was frustrating tonight with all the cautions especially when you have to start on the the outside in the rough stuff. I want to dedicate this win to Dow, he was a great guy and a great announcer."

Top 10:
1. Jared Miley
2. Russ King
3. Alex Ferree
4. Matt Lux
5. Gary Lyle
6. Chuck Sarver
7. Tommy Schirnhofer
8. Brandon Wearing
9. Eric Andrus
10. Ed Ferree