By BOB LIBBEY, LakesideSpeedway.net
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – It’s been said you only have to lead the last lap to win a race. Tonight, Nic Bidinger proved you only have to lead the last couple feet to win a USRA A-Modfied race. Bidinger started sixth and worked his way through the field and by lap 24, he was up to second. Aaron Marrant, who had led every lap thus far, was the last car in his sights.
With a slingshot move to the inside of Marrant and coming to the checkers, Bidinger was able to carry enough momentum to cross the finish line first. Jason Bodenhamer and Terry Schultz battled hard to finish third and fourth, while Cody Agler rounded out the top-five.
The Grand National 20-lap feature started off being a race where you didn't want to take the lead. Dennis Melvin, Marshall Jewett, Donnie Brown and Don Marrs all took turn leading and all took turns falling out of the race early. Finally at lap 15, Gary Donaldson took over the reins and held on for the win. Melvin would be able to rejoin the race and finished third behind Tim Shields. Brian Mills, who started 12th, raced to a fourth place finish ahead of Michael Morse, Sr.
Brad Smith’s trophy celebration was extra special tonight as he notched his 100th career victory. The USRA B-Modified feature win wasn't a given, as he started tenth and had a tough field ahead of him. It wasn't until lap 9 that Smith was able to battle for and take the lead from Jake Richards. Richards would end up fourth behind Chad Clancy and Royce Stanley. Nick Newton rounded out the top-five.
Brett Heeter proved early on that he had the set up in the Factory Stocks. Heeter started the night with a heat win and then finished it off with the feature win as well. Again this week the race wasn’t a walk in the park as he was continually challenged by numerous competitors. At the end, point leader, Nate Barnes, would finish second. In his first race in a Factory Stock, Josh Foster, finished a respectable third, edging out Marshall Jewett. John O’Neal Jr. rounded out the top-five.
“Racing on the River’s Edge” continues every Friday night through October with the USRA A-Modifieds, Grand Nationals, USRA B-Modifieds and Factory Stocks. Gates open at 5 p.m., hot laps at 6:45 p.m., and the first race gets under way at 7:30 p.m. Adult ticket prices are $12, kids 7-12 $6, and children 6 and younger admitted free. Senior citizens and military personnel with ID are admitted for $10.
For more information on special events or ticket information call the Lakeside Speedway office at (913) 299-9206 or visit our official website at www.lakesidespeedway.net. You can also find us on Facebook at Lakeside Speedway or Tweet us at #lakeside.
