The Harris Clash has become an event that we look forward to each year--a "must see" on our list. It was an exciting finish last night at the Knoxville Raceway that found Richie Gustin nab the win on the final lap--to the cheers of most in the stands.
We noted 69 cars participating last night with six heat events, three B's and the grand finale, the 25-lap A feature. Mark Elliott in his Dandyland Farms ride, looked to be on his way to an easy win as he easily led the pack around the famed Knoxville track. One yellow flag flew early in the contest about lap five, and then it was easy sailing for the #12, as he pulled away from the rest of the field. Meanwhile, flying through the pack from 16th starting spot, was the 97M of Oberlin, Kansas driver, David Murray. Earlier, Murray had qualified through his heat race from starting dead last, to take the final 3rd place quaifying spot. Murray was up to 3rd place in the feature when a rut in turn one would throw him into the fence with just two laps to go. This would set up a shoot out on the restart with Elliott still leading, Jordan Grabouski in second, and coming from 20th starting spot...Richie Gustin in third. On the restart, Elliott seemed to pull away again, but this would be just momentarily, as he slowed on the backstretch dramatically. This would set up the Grabouski/Gustin duel for the win. On the white flag lap, Gustin swung around Grabouski...not an unusual sight as we've seen it several times this year...and win the Harris Clash for 2010. Quite an impressive run for the young driver from Gilman, Iowa. Grabouski was scored in second, third went to Jeremy Mills who started back in 17th place, fourth to Josh Foster from starting thirteenth and who had been a front runner most of the race, and fifth was a former winner of the Harris Clash, Johnny "the Jet" Saathoff.
Racing was concluded at 9:15 p.m. allowing all to "hit the road" toward home. The program was run off in a timely manner which we always appreciate. Thanks to Bob Harris for putting on this great show every year. Be sure and check out "Back Stretch" and "Tapfan's Tours" on Postively Racing for their take on the racing action too. Full results can be found at http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/. Get out and enjoy some great racing this coming weekend as Mother Nature may just give us a break in her recent unrelenting downpours. Happy racing!
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