Sept 15, 2018 - The RMMRA concluded the 2018 season bringing 22 cars to Butch Speicher’s I-76 Speedway. Heat race action began with Patrick Bourke, Keith Rauch, and Zack Merritt taking wins. A “12” on the speed dice invert set up the feature line up and saw Paul Babich and Jesse Fernandez leading the field to green.
On the start, Babich jumped to the lead with the field in tow. Tony Rossi from his 5th starting spot made his way through the field taking the lead a few circuits in with Babich moving into the 2nd spot. As the track begin to rubber, 6th place starter, Lance Bennett found it first and moved to the top of the race track, quickly picking off positions. As drivers searched for the rubber, Chris Sheil began moving forward behind Bennett while the two of them caught the leaders. Rossi, Babich, Bennett, and Sheil would battle lap after lap until Bennett took the point about half way through.
Sheil, from his 9th place starting spot was able to clear Babich and Rossi and set his sights on Bennett. Heading into turn one he was able to get under Bennett and take the point, continuing to the checkers and capturing the season finale for the Lucas Oil RMMRA midgets.
Keith Rauch, who missed last week’s event due to an unfortunate work related accident returned to the seat of Frank Peterson’s potent 27. Heading into the final night, Rauch and RMMRA veteran Bob Harr had a tight points battle with just 19 points separating the two. After a heat race win and a 4th place finish in Saturday’s finale, Rauch was able to come away with his 10th championship, passing RMMRA legend Randy Roberts with the most series titles!!!
Our thoughts are with Patrick Bourke who sustained a broken vertebrae in the feature event. The outlook is positive and we wish him all the best on his road to recovery.
Special thanks to Buckeye Welding Supply Company and Nordy's BBQ & Grill for their support in sponsoring the final event of 2018. Also, a very heartfelt thank you to Karen Clark and the rest of the Clark family for their attendance and support of the 4th Annual Ken Clark Memorial!
Feature Results:
Chris Sheil
Tony Rossi
Paul Babich
Keith Rauch
Lance Bennett
Bob Harr
Zack Merritt
Troy Simpson
Mark Hamilton
Ryan Oerter
AJ Valim
Jesse Fernandez
Ashley Oerter Cleaveland
Olivia Bennett
Dustin Weland
Carson Garrett
Mike Snelling
Buddy Tubbs
Glenn Waterland
Collin Rinehart
Patrick Bourke
Blaze Bennet