May 27, 2016
Bedford, Pa
With a spectacular late race rally, Max Blair scored the win in the Johnny Grum Classic 40 at Bedford Friday night. With the win he became the 136th different winner at the track, joining his father on that prestigious list.
When slated front row starter Jared Miley elected to start tail on the field, Gene Knaub eagerly joined Jeff Rine up front for the start. Rine brought the field to the green but it was Knaub leading at the completion of lap one. Max Blair secured second on lap two and settled in at that spot chasing Knaub.
Lap after lap the front pair ran in that order as Jason Covert and Gregg Satterlee charged from the pack. But the real charger in the field was Matt Cosner. By the time of the only yellow, for a stalled car in turn three on lap 22, Cosner was up to fifth, behind Knaub, Blair, Covert and Satterlee.
On the restart, Cosner went on the charge, zipping Satterlee on lap 24 and Covert on lap 30. By that time, Blair was still tracking Knaub, but Cosner closed the gap quickly. Late race lapped traffic came into play by lap 33 and Blair closed on the leader. But Cosner had caught them both.
With two to go, Blair made the dramatic pass for the lead. Cosner also got by Knaub. Blair had no time to savor the lead as Cosner was instantly all over him for the last lap with Knaub still in the picture. But Blair prevailed as the leaders crossed the line side by side with Knaub a close third. Covert held on for fourth and Satterlee was fifth.
Earlier, Satterlee had set fast time. Satterlee, DJ Troutman, Covert and Rine won the heats. Chad Hollenbeck won the talent laden B.feature, run after a short rain delay.
LATE MODEL 40 LAPS - Max Blair, Matt Cosner, Gene Knaub, Jason Covert, Gregg Satterlee, Kenny Moreland, Colby Frye, Chuck Clise, Mason Zeigler, Dylan Yoder, Andy Haus, Keith Barbara, Jeff Rine, Matt Sponaugle, Brian Tavenner, Chad Hollenbeck, Rick Singleton, Troy Swindell, Dan Stone, Billy Wampler, DJ Troutman, Mike Lupfer, Ross Robinson, Eric Zembower, Jarred Miley.
DNQ Bryan Bernheisel, Allen Brannon, Mike Altobelli J, Wayne Johnson, Cody Robbins, Travis Wilson, Austin Hubbard, Darrass Deneen, Danny Snyder, Justyin Kann, Jack Pencil, Larry Baer,
