Late Race Restart Shatters A.J.Lesiecki’s Birthday Dream
By Larry Boos Outlaw 350 Supermodified Sprint Series PR
SOUTH AMHERST, OH (August 30) – In a disappointing testament to the fact that a race is not over until the checkered flag falls, Danny Shirey crossed the line first Saturday night as the Team Willis Outlaw 350 Supermodified-Sprint Series (OSS) visited Lorain Raceway Park (LRP) for Henrietta Produce and Pantry Night. It was a disappointed A.J. Lesiecki on the receiving end of that reality.
A highly competitive 14-car field assembled for the 30-lap finale on LRP’s 3/8-mile paved oval, with 2023 OSS champion Frank Neill and Cody Gallogly pacing the field to the green flag. Before one lap could be completed, however, the caution flag appeared for a spin into the backstretch retaining barriers by Gage Sauer. That pause in the action did not faze Neill and Gallogly as they instantly resumed their side-by-side battle for five more laps, with the balance of the field in hot pursuit, directly behind them.
By lap five Gallogly, powered to the front; unaware of what was shaping up behind him. Sawyer Stout had gotten by Tyler Capodice to take over third position, with new LRP track record holder Danny Shirey soon edging to fourth. But, as the laps continued under green, it was Lesiecki on the move. He found the outer groove to his liking and first set his sights on Shirey.
After a two-lap struggle, he was able to power past the pre-race favorite and without hesitation picked off Stout as well. Next on the menu was Neill, who, too, fell prey to Lesiecki, as he was on a mission to get to the front.
The lone battle, so it seemed at the time, was Gallogly. A spirited fight for supremacy engaged and maintaining that second groove momentum, Lesiecki was soon in command as the field approached lapped traffic. Lesiecki, celebrating his 33rd birthday, was flawless and used the lapped traffic to his advantage and was cruising to what appeared to be a jubilant birthday celebration.
With the five-to-go signal given by the flagman to the field, Lesiecki remained in control, despite Shirey doing everything within his power to close the gap. However, a new confrontation developed for Lesiecki as he stared at the white flag and one-lap to go signal. Sawyer Stout, in rare fashion, looped his machine in turn two to bring out an ill-fated yellow flag.
Using the ‘choose cone’ on the restart, Lesiecki chose the bottom, while Shirey took to the outside. On the restart, Lesiecki got the jump into turn one and looked as if he had the race under control once again. But before they could reach turn two, chaos broke loose on the front stretch with a four car tangle (Capodice, Neill, Kenny Sharp, Rich DeWitt, Jr.) bringing out the red flag and stopping the race.
With the track cleaned up and the race ready to restart, Lesiecki again chose the low lane and Shirey the high side. This time the veteran duo rode rim to rim into turns one and two and Shirey, with a burst of speed down the back chute inherited the lead he was to hold to the finish. Lesiecki crossed the line in runner-up position with Stout recovering to take third place, inches ahead of Gallogly. Hunter Young completed the top five.
Jim Valentine Fast Time Award – Danny Shirey (13.173) new track record
Big & Little’s Carts Let’s Celebrate 3 Award – A.J. Lesiecki (13.368)
Brian’s Automotive/Gibson’s Hoosier Tire Heat 1: Sawyer Stout, Tyler Capodice, Frank Neill, Gage Sauer, Rich DeWitt, Jr., Joe Speakman, Todd Buchanan
Brian’s Automotive/Gibson’s Hoosier Tire Heat 2: A.J. Lesiecki, Gody Gallogly, Hunter Young, Kenny Sharp, J.D. Evans, Sam Stout
Henrietta Produce & Pantry A-Main: 1)Danny Shirey 2)A.J. Lesiecki 3)Sawyer Stout 4)Cody Gallogly 5)Hunter Young 6)Tyler Capodice 7)Sam Stout 8)J.D.Evans 9)Frank Neill 10)Kenny Sharp 11)Joe Speakman 12)Rich DeWitt, Jr. 13)Gage Sauer 14)Todd Buchanan
Lang’s Automotive Hard Charger – Sam Stout, 6 position gain
Quest Restoration Last Car Lead Lap – Tyler Capodice / Quest Restoration Last Car Runner – Rich DeWitt, Jr.
Snow Otter Memorabilia Rookie of the Race – Cody Gallogly
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