Close But No Cigar at Independence (USMTS) From the drop of the green flag, the O’Reilly USMTS Modifieds were flying for their 40-lap main event. With a couple early cautions, the pack stayed close and kept the top spot open for grabs.

Richie Gustin Jr. looked to be tough to beat from the start, but Zack VanderBeek worked his Cheetos/Casey's General Stores #33z Skyrocket for the lead from his third-place starting spot within the first five laps, but failed to claim the top spot as he had mechanical issues and had to pull into the pits.

Eight-time O’Reilly USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock worked his way to the front from his fourth starting position and Al Hejna worked from his ninth-place starting spot as both drivers inched closer to the lead.

The battle began between Hejna and Shryock within the first few laps of the race until Shryock was able to pass Hejna just outside the corner.

With Shryock taking over the lead, Hejna was right on him, however. Another caution caused the field to bunch up and giving Hejna another chance to get around Shryock.

Hejna charged hard toward the lead but Shryock was able to hold him off. With the laps winding down, Hejna stayed on Shryock’s tail and seemed to get closer with each lap.

With three laps remaining, Shryock started to pull away slightly from Hejna, causing Hejna to give chase to Shryock all the way to the checkered. With the white flag waving, Shryock now had Hejna on his rear bumper but Hejna just couldn't get around Shryock before the checkered flag waved.

Shryock took the win, followed closely by Hejna.

[from USMTS Media]

posted by BUCK @ 2:59 PM