Gonder, Pataska & Blaise Win At New Smyrna

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Davis Chassis Works Contender Series – Super Late Models – Round 3 – May 30, 2018 – New Smyrna Speedway

The Contender Series took on New Smyrna last week and another strong field of over 60 cars would show up to battle for 150 laps, with the field being split up into three separate races.

Race 1 Summary – Early on in the race it was Tyler Price and Evan Sorensen up at the front of the field, but the all changed when the leaders all tangled on a lap 65 restart that saw the top two turned around. Gareth Gonder would come out on the other side with the lead, and would hold off Derek Robinson for the rest of the night to pick up his first career SARA win. Robinson, Daniel Williamson, Sorensen, and Keith Jeffery rounded out the top five.

Race 2 Summary – In the second race, it was all Dallas Pataska out front. Pataska started on the pole and pulled away from the rest of the field on most runs and enjoyed a comfortable lead as the rest of the field behind him battled. Pataska led all 150 laps on the night for his 2nd win of the season. Chris Canfield, Ian Layne, Clay Snider and Scott Dunlap rounded out the top five.

Race 3 Summary – Kyle Souza used a good qualifying run to start up front and led the field for the first 43 laps, but it was Conner Blaise that used the outside groove on a restart to get the momentum to take the top spot. Michael Goddard was able to cut into the gap at times, but Blaise was too strong and finished the night picking up his 2nd career SARA win. Goddard, Drew Kreibich, Ryan Doucette, and Russell Charneski rounded out the top five.

Hard Chargers – Derek Robinson, Mark Humble, Brian Korlacki (Race 1, +8 each), Chris Canfield (Race 2, +17), Mark Hertzog (Race 3, +12).

Pole Winner – Ken Morin Jr. (16.813 seconds)

Points Battle – Another solid finish for Derek Robinson keeps him atop the standings but the points are close after three events.

Up Next – The Contender Series is off this week but will take on the Phoenix (’08) for 100 laps next Wednesday.

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Penalty Box
Race 1 Results Race 2 Results Race 3 Results
Standings