Hantz Scores ARCA/CRA Super Series Win At Flat Rock

Flat Rock Speedway – Flat Rock, MI. Photo courtesy CRA

The ARCA/CRA Super Series first visit to Flat Rock Speedway in Flat Rock, MI proved to be a very exciting race with back and forth racing throughout the field, with the lead being exchanged as a veteran driver and a rookie contender fought for the lead before veteran Scott Hantz led the way to the checkered flag. 

West Virginia rookie Travis Braden won his first EDCO Welding Fast Qualifier Award over two time champion and current points leader Johnny VanDoorn.  Braden then drew the maximum invert of an eight putting Kenzie Ruston on the pole with Pat Zorn on the outside of the front row.

Zorn took the lead on the first lap, with Ruston roaring back to take the lead on the second lap.  Ruston held the lead until rookie contender Nate Caruth, who had started third, passed Ruston to take the lead on the ninth lap.

Caruth held the lead while the drivers behind him jostled for position resulting in three caution flags.  The first flag flew on the seventh lap when Hantz spun in a racing incident putting him on the tail of the race.  VanDoorn pulled in to have his very tight car looked at during the second caution on the 41^st lap.

With Caruth leading by himself, Hantz and VanDoorn worked their way back through the field. Catching Caruth and slipping under him on the 91^st lap Hantz took the lead.  Not to be outdone, Caruth retook the lead on the 99^th lap on a bold move on the outside of Hantz.

Hantz came back to retake the lead as Caruth continued to run the high line on the 106^th lap.  Caruth was not to be denied and continued to work the high line, coming even with Hantz, but was unable to get past.  On lap 113 the last caution of the day flew when Caruth slipped in the third turn making contact with the wall first with his rear quarter panel which then drew him on into the wall ending his night.  VanDoorn made a valiant effort but could not get past Hantz and settled for second. Jason Dietsch raced to third, Jay Niewiek fourth and Kenny Tweedy fifth.

“We didn’t start out so good, but we ended pretty well.” Hantz stated. “This was a fun race. A great track to race on.”

Terry Fisher, Jr had a promising night go bad as he was running in the Top Five rushing to get in the front when his right front tire went down as the laps wound down and struggled to the finish as the last car on the lead lap.  “This is a disappointing way to finish.” A dejected Fisher stated following the race.

The next ARCA/CRA Super Series event will be at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, GA as the series heads south on September 15.  For more information, visit  www.craracing.net.

ARCA/CRA Super Series
Flat Rock Speedway – Flat Rock, MI
7Up 125 – Sept. 8, 2012