Bilderback Wins 3rd Spring Classic, Ties For Most Series Victories
2024-04-28
Bilderback Wins 3rd Spring Classic, Ties For Most Series Victories
In a thrilling season opener for the Big 8 Series at Grundy County Speedway, Michael Bilderback showcased his mastery once again, claiming his third Spring Classic victory in a race packed with intense competition. The 58-lap feature was full of drama and mechanical issues throughout.
As the green flag waved, Joshua Lundy and Brandon Laing led the charge from the front row. Lundy surged ahead, accompanied by Jerry Mueller in tow. However, the action heated up quickly as Bilderback maneuvered his way to second place with 55 laps remaining. Just a couple laps in, Kendrick Kreyer had a shock failure and went for a spin in turn one that brought out the first caution. He would repair the car and return to the track.
Upon the restart, Jon Reynolds Jr made a bold move to climb to third while Bilderback seized the lead. However, chaos ensued as Mathew Fairburn Jr's spin in turn two triggered a massive crash involving Matthew Gajewski, prompting a red flag situation. Gajewski hit the turn three wall and the car went airborne, but luckily was okay after the incident.
When the race resumed, Bilderback maintained his lead with Reynolds Jr and Lundy in pursuit. But it was Grant Brown who swiftly moved into contention, snatching third place. Yet, the pace was interrupted again with Del Schuler's spin on the back stretch, prompting yet another caution.
Undeterred, Bilderback continued to lead as Jake Gille and Brown battled for position. With 40 laps to go, Bilderback extended his lead over Gille while Brown closed in on second place. However, another caution was triggered by mechanical issues for fast-time qualifier Brady Bill and Reynolds Jr.
As the race resumed, Lundy's spun in turn one brought out yet another caution, reshuffling the field once more. Then, Gille experienced an engine failure which took him out of contention, paving the way for Bilderback to dominate the next restart.
With 34 laps remaining, Brown mounted a fierce challenge, relentlessly pressuring Bilderback. However, his hopes were dashed soon after as he hit the wall and came to a halt in turn 3, relinquishing his chance at victory.
In the closing laps, Bilderback faced a renewed threat from Kreyer, but he held firm, extending his lead to clinch a commanding victory. With 15 laps to go, Bilderback's mastery was undeniable as he stretched his lead over Kreyer, ultimately crossing the finish line to claim his third Spring Classic and tying him with Jeremy Miller for most series feature wins.
"We were fighting the balance a little bit," Bilderback said afterwards. "We had to change some things. I think Brown was just a little better than us prior to his issue. Unfortunate for him, I think it would have been a pretty fun battle."
Round two of the Big 8 Series is scheduled to take place at Madison International Speedway on Friday, May 24th.
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