WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (May 17, 2015) – The World of Outlaws rolled into Weedsport Speedway tonight for the first time in 22 years. There was some nostalgia attached to this track for Motter Motorsports crew chief Randy Wolfe, who, as a rookie, won his first sprint car race at this track in 1976.
In time trials, Joey Saldana wheeled the Motter Equipment HE&M Saw Beltline Body Shop sprint car to a 13.756-lap, good for the No. 7 qualifying position.
“We were 22nd of 35 cars in the order for time trials,” said team owner Dan Motter. “Joey had a really good qualifying lap for being in the last half of the group to take time trials. No one that went out after him came close to his time. That being said, however, we had our work cut out for us in the heat.”
Saldana pushed off from the third position in the third heat. When the green flew, the drivers filed into a running order that mirrored their starting positions. Polesitter Stewart Friesen led the pack, followed by outside front row starter Lucas Wolfe, then Saldana who was challenged by Donny Schatz. The drivers did not change positions during the eight-lap event. Saldana solidified a starting position in the feature.
The Brownsburg Bullet occupied the eleventh starting position in the 24-car field that roared off for the start of the 35-lap feature playing to a full house at Weedsport Speedway. Polesitter Schatz assumed the lead followed by Chad Kemenah, Brad Sweet and Kerry Madsen. There were two yellows during the event. The last one on lap 20 was triggered by a spin in turn one by Saldana, who rejoined the back of the field. When the green flew for the final time, Schatz continued to lead while there was some reshuffling behind him. Another wire to wire victory for Schatz. Kerry Madsen was second and Chad Kemenah was third.
Saldana was 19th.
“The car just wasn’t happy during the feature tonight,” said team owner Dan Motter. “We made some adjustments and just missed it (the set-up).”
The Outlaws have a travel day to prepare for Tuesday’s event at New Egypt, N.J.
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