By: Kevin Ramsell
Birch Run, MI – Billy VanMeter made a statement on Friday night by winning the Turn One CRA Pro Series powered by Chevrolet Performance’s Van Doorn Racing Development Dixie 100 at Birch Run Speedway in Birch Run, MI.
VanMeter would start on the pole and battle with Albert Francis in the early going for the top spot, with VanMeter pulling away a few laps into the race.
Francis was running second and was holding off a challenge by current point leader Chase Pinsonneault until Francis slowed on lap 19 and went into the pits, succumbing to motor problems.
The first of two cautions flew on lap 37 when Guy Fire spun off the backstretch. He would rejoin the field to finish ninth.
VanMeter once again led the field on the restart and would run uncontested until a competition caution flew 13 laps to go in the race.
Blake Rowe would take the outside of the front row on the final restart and challenge VanMeter as the two battled side-by-side. Rowe got a strong run on the outside of turn four and took over the lead with 12 laps to go.
VanMeter wouldn’t let Rowe get away as he caught up to challenge for the lead with six laps left in the main event. The two went side-by-side going into turn one, causing VanMeter to appear to go a little high. VanMeter would make slight contact with Rowe. That contact was enough from VanMeter to get by Rowe and take the checkered flag.
“Honestly, this thing had the greatest drive off long run-wise. The short run was little to be needed, and that’s why Blake got a hold of me, and luckily, I had enough laps, running back down, and we played pretty fair,” VanMeter said in victory lane. “We touched a little bit, but it was pretty fair for a short track race. But there’s a reason why there ain’t no name on this car.
Because they already know who I am. I’m Billy ******* Van Meter.”
Rowe, once again, finished in the runner-up spot.
“We were just really, really free, honestly, for the better part of the race. But honestly, all day I was crying tight, and we finally put a lot of turn in it before qualifying, and I guess you got to be careful what you ask for,” Rowe explained. “But nonetheless, just really excited and glad to be back here at Birch Run. I love this racetrack.”
Current Turn One CRA Pro Series presented by Chevrolet Performance point leader came home with the final podium position.
“I was just a little bit too tight to get around them in there at the end,” Pinnsoneault said. “Once, you know, once you lose the clean air, it’s just tougher to get that turn that you need.”
Tyler Lupton finished fourth with Dan Leeck rounding out the top five.
Next up for the Turn One CRA Pro Series is a return to Toledo Speedway in Toledo, Ohio, on Sunday, August 9th, for the House of Meats 100.
More information can be found at cra-racing.com.
A replay of tonight’s event is available at tracktv.com