Blair Claims $5000 Winning "Lake Erie 50" at Raceway 7

Conneaut, OH, May 4, 2007: Raceway 7 opened its 2007 season Friday night with the 50 lap, $5000 to win the “Lake Erie 50” with the “Titusville Terror”, Rob Blair, getting the win. 

Thirty-six Late Models made it to Raceway 7 to contest the feature paying $5000.00 to win.  The field was trimmed to twenty-four through four heats and two B-Mains.  After a redraw for the feature line-up, Kirk Bradley and Bob Close started on the front row with Bradley leading to turn three before giving up the lead to Bob Close.  At lap four 2006 track champion Rob Blair was challenging for the lead, running alongside the leader at the flag at lap nine.  Close was able to withstand the challenge until lap eleven when Blair took over with a dive to the inside into turn three, coming out of four with the lead.  At lap 20 in traffic Close tried gallantly to regain the lead, but by the first caution for a spin by fourth running Bump Hedman, Blair was again extending his lead.

After the green was redeployed, Chub Frank began fighting Close for the runner-up spot.  At lap 30 Frank moved to second and set sail for the lead.  The “Titusville Terror” was up to the challenge of “Chubzilla” holding on for his first win at Raceway 7 since 2005.  Following the leaders to the line were Close, Dick Barton, and Kirk Bradley. 

Heat 1: Rob Blair, Bob Close, Bump Hedman, Brent Rhebergen, Doug Riccotta, Jay Watson, Ryan Scott, Mark Osburn, Mark Banal

Heat 2: Chris Hackett, Kirk Bradley, Dick Barton, Chad Ruhlman, Todd Andrews, Billy Henry, Max Blair, Alan Dellinger, Ben Porter

Heat 3: Darrell Bossard, John Lobb, George LaBarbera, Steve Halpainy, Dan Maxim, John Mollick, J B Dandy, John Watson, Rich Gardner

Heat 4: Chub Frank, Steve Hollabaugh, Dave Tackett), Boom Briggs, Paul Briggs, Dave Osterberg, Chad Valone, Mickey Wright, Charles Supplee

B-Main 1: Todd Andrews, Doug Riccotta, Jay Watson, Max Blair, Alan Dellinger, Ryan Scott, Ben Porter, Billy Henry, Mark Osburn (DNS), Mark Banal (DNS)

B-Main 2: Rich Gardner, Mickey Wright, Paul Briggs, Dan Maxim, John Mollick, J B Dandy, Dave Osterberg, John Watson, Charles Supplee, Chad Valone

Feature: Rob Blair, Chub Frank, Bob Close, Dick Barton, Kirk Bradley, John Lobb, Bump Hedman, Brent Rhebergen, Chad Ruhlman, Boom Briggs, Chris Hackett, Steve Halpainy, Rich Gardner, Doug Ricotta, Steve Hollabaugh, Dave Tackett, Mickey Wright, Paul Briggs, Darrell Bossard, George LaBarbera, Jay Watson, Dan Maxim, Max Blair, Todd Andrews