Special from Speed51.com – In three previous JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour appearances at Salem Speedway, Trey Craig experienced both speed and misfortune. Twice he wrecked, including in 2017 during practice. In 2018, he an early engine failure brought a premature end to his race.
However, he would not be denied Sunday afternoon.
REPLAY: ARCA/CRA SUPER SERIES AT SALEM
The Louisville, Kentucky native took the lead from Cody Coughlin on lap 68 and went on to win his first-career JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour at his home track. He completed the sweep on the afternoon, also setting fast time in qualifying.
While in victory lane, he said it was a day he had been dreaming about ever since he was a kid.
This thing is amazing. I always dreamed of what it would be like to win here and here we freaking are,” Craig said on the Speed51.TV broadcast. “We’ve always had fast cars here, we’ve always been ready to win, we just couldn’t get it together. This time it all worked out for us and I’m not mad one bit.
He climbed out of his car to a loud ovation from the home crowd. The local race meant more friends and family were able to attend the event than usual, and he was ready to party with them Sunday night.
“I’ve got several people in the stands right now that I normally don’t have. I appreciate you all for coming out. I’m going to have a hell of a night tonight.”
Mandy Chick finished a career-best second, but her race nearly ended before it really began. A wreck at the front of the field on the first lap took out several race contenders, including the likes of Mason Keller, Cole Williams and Corey Deuser. Chick was nearly caught up in the wreck herself, but was able to sneak by it unscathed.
After a crazy week for the Kansas driver, she was happy to finish on the podium.
“It’s awesome to be here. I can’t thank my guys enough for all the hard work they put in, it’s been a wild week but we’re excited to be here,” Chick said. “I think my quarter-midget experience really helped me there with the fast reflexes. I couldn’t have done it without my spotter either.”
It was career-best finishes for all drivers in the top-five. 2019 All American 400 winner Mason Mingus finished third, while Dylan Bates and Scott Melton finished fourth and fifth.
-Story by: Koty Geyer, Speed51 National Correspondent – Twitter: @kgeyer3
-Photo Credit: John Lund
JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Results:
- Trey Craig
- Mandy Chick
- Mason Mingus
- Dylan Bates
- Scott Melton
- Zachary Tinkle
- Cody Coughlin
- Tanner Jack
- Brian Demland
- Chase Burda
- Colby Lane
- Kody Swanson
- Jared Smith
- Corey Deuser
- Mason Keller
- Cole Williams
- Andrew Scheid
