RPW Exclusive: Albany-Saratoga Tried, But Mother Nature Claims Modified Main; Edwards, Coonradt Win Before Rain

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – MALTA, NY – Once again, the diehard race fans and competitors at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway had hopes that racing would happen at the “Great Race Place” on Friday night. However, with threatening skies, all were wondering if Mother nature was going to be the one claiming victory on the evening’s action. In the end, the fans experienced both.

As everyone was driving to the track, rains were heavy and constant but clear skies had fans and racers hopeful for a great night of racing. As warm-ups were concluded, The decision by track officials was to only run features. The forecast was not in the Racing God’s favor.

With green light from the fans and teams, the Pro Stock feature hit the track first. They had unfinished business from the rain out on July 27th.

Starting on the front row was Dan Older and Josh Coonradt with Older showing his car was the one to beat. Coonradt was trying everything to get by the leader as the two pulled away from the rest of the pack.

The race went green for the first 23 laps of the race. A caution came out, and this was something Older didn’t want to see as Kim Duell and points leader Kenny Martin brought their machines to the pits. Both would return at the back of the field.

What took place was a two-lap shootout, and even with Older having his best run of the 2018 season, the yellow changed the complexion of the race. Coonradt took advantage off the restart and powered his way into the lead, passed the leader and went on to take his fourth feature win of the year.

Older would have to settle for second after his fantastic run. Third as Norm Loubier with Jay Corbin and Chuck Dumblewski rounding out the top five running order.

With storms lurking over the track, there was no post-race celebrations in front of the grandstands as management was trying to get the features in.

Next feature on track was the USAC DMA Midgets. Early leader was Derek O’Hearn, but on lap eight the high-flying Will Hull took the lead and pulled away. Multi-time DMA winner on the season, Jason Goff, made a late-race charge trying to take second from O’Hearn but came up one spot short, finishing third.

The Sportsman were the next feature to hit the track, and the skies were not looking good. A light drizzle started to fall as Chad Edwards in the Tommy Spencer-owned #37 took the lead from his outside front row starting spot and never looked back. The veteran grabbed the win in a feature that went without a single yellow flag being waved.

Nick Lussier has his best run of the year, following Edwards across the line in the runner-up position. Right on his back bumper was Scott Duell, who was pressuring for second but ran out of time. Robert Bublak and Jack Speshock rounding out the top 5.

The Limited Sportsman feature was only able to get three laps in before heavy rains came sending optimistic fans and racers alike looking for cover. That was when officials called it a night.

Track promoter Lyle DoVore made an announcement that the speedway would honor rain checks from Friday evening. Ticket stubs from the grandstands along with pit area tickets or wristbands will be good at a future event. He appreciated those who had faith in the track’s decision to try and get the show in.

As always, please keep our troops in your prayers. See you all at the next race, PEACE!