Jessey Mueller Finally Puts It All Together To Win At Albany-Saratoga

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – MALTA, NY – With many racers back at their home tracks after last Friday’s Super DIRTcar Series event at Brewerton Speedway, their guns were locked and loaded as the show down went on this week at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

After leading for several circuits around the “Great Race Place” during the 2018 racing season, Jessey Mueller sealed the deal Friday night by getting his first victory in a dirt modified car as he held on to win the 35-lap main event. Jessey became the 8th different winner in as many races, as it was his turn to reach the almighty victory lane.

After many frustrating nights at the end of many races where he had his chance to put his #19 in victory lane, it was hard work and a lot of blood, sweet and tears that all the learning curves finally paid off for the young pilot from Chestertown, NY.

The start of the modified event had the two-time track champion Don Ronca take the early lead. The caution flew quickly and that’s all it took as Jessey Mueller powered on the outside to grab the top spot.

As he took off in a commanding lead, there was a three-car battle brewing midway in the pack between guys who have seen victory lane this year…Keith Flach, Brett Hearn and Kenny Tremont. All three were trading positions and keeping each other close.

The car on the move, however, was the #2Rj of Ronnie Johnson. Johnson started 24th on the grid and by lap 16 was in 10th.

After a caution for Kris Vernold in turn four, the green waived and Mueller took off once again and opened up a full straightaway lead on the pack. Johnson, who was running in the sixth position cut down the middle, splitting two cars and moved his way to the third position.

By lap 24, RJ had caught runner-up Marc Johnson and made quick work of him, passing the 3j on the outside to take second and set his sights on the leader Mueller who know had encountered heavy lap traffic.

The question now was did he have enough time to reel in the leader. As the laps clicked off, Johnson was inching his way closer, getting the fans on the edge of their seats to see if it would be a battle in the end. With the two lap sign from starter Richie Peterson, Mueller didn’t know that the former Fonda Speedway track champion Johnson was using all the tricks up his sleeve on the track to snatch away the victory. However, at the end, it was Mueller getting the job done claiming a very popular win.

An excited driver gave the fans a roof dance as he climbed from the car in victory lane.

“I just don’t know what to say,” Mueller said. “I want to thank my family for standing by me and supporting me and doing what it takes to be a winning team.”

Settling for second with a run that many of his fans have been waiting for was Johnson. Third went to Marc Johnson he was followed by Hearn and Tremont.

Sportsman feature winner was the #00 of Jason Gray, making it two-in-a-row and another great ride home to our neighboring state. Adam McAuliffe finished in the bridesmaid position followed by Connor Cleveland who came from the 10th spot. Tim Hartman and Pat Jones finished off the top five.

Just out of the top 10 was David Constantino who started 25th and put on a strong run after struggling at the speedway.

32 cars took the green as another great showing for the Sportsman teams..

Limited Sportsman was a three car battle with EJ McAuliffe, John Stowell, and Justin Buff duking it out. In the end, it was Stowell who would come out on top as he passed McAullffe down low in turns three and four to take the win. McAuliffe and Michael Wagner Fitzgerald rounded out the top three.

The Pro Stock feature winner was a driver who has been having a fairy tale season as Josh Coonradt claimed his third victory of the season.

“We really have the car figured out going really well, but I thought Brandon Emigh was going to spoil my night,” Coonradt said after the race.

Emight dove under the 00 a few times but to no avail. Jay Corbin snuck by Emigh for second at the end, putting the #2 back to third. ‘Krazy’ Kenny Martin came from deep in the field to get fourth with Walt Brownell coming home fifth.

The DMA USAC Bear Ridge Speedway Midgets was won by former Lebanon Valley Modified driver Jason Goff as he made a late race pass to take over the top spot and would not be challenged in the end. After having the lead for a good portion of the race, finishing second was Seth Carlton followed by Justin Phillips, Adam Whitney and Joe Krawiec.

It was “Miller Time” once again in the Street Stocks as Randy Miller made the drive for five wins, claiming the victory once again. Al Relyea did close the gap but ran out of laps and finished second.

The house was once again filled with fans and cars. The track was in great shape which made for some great racing. The 50/50 was claimed and the winner went home with $1,564.

It was a special night for kids and some adults as it was the ever popular Kiddie night. This is when the kids get to ride with their favorite driver and experience time going around the track. It was great to see the drivers reach out to their fans as fun was had by all. It’s good to see the younger generation involved and bring smiles to their faces as it will always be something special to them. And yes, our racing monster did get his ride with his guy, Nick Stone.

It was a great time at the races with family and friends. One of my highlights of the evening was meeting up with the gentlemen behind the scenes of Race Pro Weekly, Bobby Chalmers. Even though he never wants credit, he truly is a mastermind and genius of knowledge in racing. It’s guys like him that will keep our sport alive. Glad we got to meet up.

We have “THE BIG SHOW” coming this Tuesday as it is looking to be a super show. There will be a whole day full of events which are going to be something you don’t want to miss. Pick the top 5 in order and you will pocket $1,000 bucks. Boy, would I love to win that.

Who will it be taking Brett Hearn’s money home? Could it be another first time winner in 2018 or will someone get the repeat? Time will tell.

As always, thank you to the men and women who serve our country and put their lives on the line for our freedom. God Bless the U.S.A.

Until the next track, “keep on racing.”