RPW Exclusive: Stewart Friesen Dominates Inaugural Champion’s Event Friday At Eastern States

Column By: JOHN DOUGLAS / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – Stewart Friesen took the victory in the first ever 20 lap Champion’s Race as part of Eastern States Weekend. The field of 13 cars featuring past champions of the Eastern States 200 was stout but had nothing for the Sprakers, NY driver, who earned $5,000 in his efforts.

Jimmy Horton started on pole with his pill draw, however that lead would not last past turn one as he and Friesen got into a side by side battle for the lead. For just over a lap the two Halmar Racing drivers jockeyed for position until Friesen gained supremacy entering turn three.

Friesen never looked back, opening up over a straightaway lead on Horton, who would finish in the second position. Bobby Varin, Tommy Meier and Billy Decker completed the top five.

“That was pretty cool.” Friesen said of the new Champion’s race. “It’s a neat format, kind of like what they do at the Chili Bowl with the past winners and champions and stuff. I’m looking forward to being a part of it for years to come.”

ESW Champion’s Feature Finish (20 Laps): STEWART FRIESEN, Jimmy Horton, Bobby Varin, Tommy Meier, Billy Decker, Brett Hearn, Jerry Higbie, Ronnie Johnson, Frank Cozze, Rich Eurich, Chuck McKee, Jeff Heotzler, Will Cagle, Danny Johnson.