Mercer Raceway Park
Max Blair outduels father for victory at Mercer
MERCER, Pa. (Oct. 2) — Max Blair of Centerville, Pa., overtook his father Robbie with three laps remaining Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park for a $1,500 victory in the Fastrak Grand Nationals opener for Crate Late Models.
"Since I was 5 years old sitting in the stands at Raceway 7, I dreamed about racing with Dad," Blair said. "I always thought someday coming out of turn four we'd be racing for the win. I don't know if it could come any closer than that — especially in a big race like this! That was a lot of fun."
The younger Blair took the lead on the 30-lapper with five laps remaining when Josh Holtgraver broke in turn four, then regain the lead on lap 27 after the elder Blair slipped ahead to lead a single lap.
Steve Dixon's third-place finish is contingent upon further review of his car's carburetor. Mike Pegher Jr., who led the first 16 laps, was fourth and Bud Watson rounded out the top five.
The Fastrak Grand Nationals continue Oct. 9 at Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex in Markleysburg, Pa., and wrap up Oct. 23 at Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Va.
Fastrak Grand Nationals: (1) Max Blair, (2) Robbie Blair, (3) Steve Dixon, (4) Mike Pegher Jr., (5) Bud Watson, (6) Butch Lambert, (7) Troy Shields, (8) Kyle Lukon, (9) Jim Frank, (10) Mike Blose, (11) Shane Bambarger, (12) Gary Knollinger, (13) Kyle Zimmerman, (14) Dan Karalagas, (15) Bryan Force, (16) John Over, (17) Dan Angelicchio, (18) Jamie Brown, (19) John Lacki, (20) Josh Holtgraver, (21) Rick Strickler, (22) Ricky Meglaye, (23) Joe Martin, (24) Dennis Lunger Jr.
