Published: July 19, 2008 11:05 pm            

RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY: NT’s Schumacher earns feature win

RANSOMVILLE — North Tonawanda’s Steve Schumacher became the ninth different winner in the Sportsman Division on Friday night at Ransomville Speedway.

Schumacher took the lead away from Lewiston’s Mike Short with just a couple laps remaining in the 25-lap feature and held it the rest of the way. Short finished second, followed by early race leader Curtis Friesen of St. Catharines, Ontario, and Ransomville’s Don Spatorico and Jipp Ortiz.

There were 107 cars signed in pitside for the 12th straight night of racing.

Spencerport’s Todd Burley won the 35-lap modified main to extend his points lead.

Burley took the lead away from Ransomville’s Jeff McGinnis on lap No. 20 and was never seriously challenged after that. McGinnis, Pete Bicknell of St. Catharines, Newfane’s Scott Kerwin and Sanborn’s Chad Brachmann rounded out the top five.

Wilson’s Roger Israel and Newfane’s Wayne Close captured Street Stocks features.

Israel won his second main of 2008, inheriting the lead on lap eight after leader Sean Letts of Ransomville had a motor let go. Israel led the remaining distance, holding off Alex Morris of Niagara Falls in the final laps for the win. Morris came home in second followed by the Ransomville trio of Kenny Washburn, Scott Krull and Ricky Washburn to round out the top five.

Close became the 13th different winner in the entry-level Street Stocks class, jumping out to an early lead at the drop of the green, then holding off persistent challenges in the final laps by Ransomville’s Webb Nashwinter for the win. Nashwinter came home in second, followed by Ransomville’s “Boots” Martin and Stuart Kumm and Wilson’s Chris Burek.

Wilson’s Jamie O’Donnell took top honors aboard the Bobcat of Buffalo Fire Hall Enduro Series. O’Donnell took the lead at the mid-way point and held it the remainder of the distance.

Ransomville’s Jim Stone maintained his series points lead with a runner-up finish.

Jonathon Stoelting of Bergholz and the Olcott dynamic duo of Dan Szratter and Eric Gunio rounded out the top five.

        

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