Anthony Lurcock leads 93 laps in round 14 of the Lionheart IndyCar Series presented by Overdrive Graphics and Sim Posters at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Matt Kingsbury lead the field to the green flag and as they headed into turn one, fourth place Ray Kingsbury spun, collecting half the field, ending his night and the night of 4 other cars, including fellow pre-race favorites Jorge Anzaldo and Pierre Daigle. Following the incident, Ray Kingsbury reported that his front wing was damaged on the initial start when Korey Connor did not get up to speed. After a flurry of early race cautions, the field settled down and had its first extended green flag run of the night. Just as pit stops were occurring, an incident between Matt Kingsbury and Dan Geren in turn three brought out a caution.
A caution for Joshua Borje-Bonkowski’s spin with 44 laps to go set the conclusion of the race up for an exciting fuel strategy finish, as drivers could only go about 35 laps on a tank of fuel. Just as drivers were beginning to make stop-and-go pit stops, the caution flag flew for Vincent Bluthenthal’s spin. Another caution with three laps remaining for a spin by Robert Blouin, ended the race under caution.
Korey Connor finished second in his Team #nailedIt entry, with Robert Blouin moving up from his 18th place starting position. Just outside the podium was newly appointed series admin, Justin Laxton and Michael Gray. Series championship leader, Jesse Vincent finished 6th, John Downing 7th, Vincent Bluthenthal was 8th, Jack Bogan in 9th, and Joshua Borje-Bonkowski rounded out the top 10.
Two-lap qualifying held immediately prior to the race, saw Matt Kingsbury capture the pole, with Korey Connor, and the pre-race “Sleeper Pick” of Jack Bogan qualify third, with Ray Kingsbury and Trevor Malone rounding out the top five. Team #nailedIt driver Dan Geren, who had been fast all week in the practice races only managed an 8th place qualifying effort. Justin Laxton, who was also fast in practice qualified in 11th position.
Vincent now leads Joe Hassert by 104 points with just four races remaining. Justin Laxton, moved up to third in points, and stands 215 points back of Vincent, and just 15 points ahead of Trevor Malone, who is now fourth in points. Rounding out the top five is Dan Geren, who is 246 points back of Vincent, but just 16 points back from Malone.
It was a tough night for the pre-race driver’s to watch as all three drivers were collected in the lap one incident. Pierre Daigle finished 17th, Jorge Anzaldo 18th, and Ray Kingsbury 21st position.
The Lionheart IndyCar Series returns to the track on Wednesday, May 20th for 60 laps around “the Trick Triangle” that is Pocono Raceway.
