WALL TOWNSHIP – Three-time driving champion Steven Reed snapped Andrew Krause’s winning streak at five on July 24 at Wall Stadium by winning the “Christmas in July” 40-lap main event for Modified stock cars. It was the Jackson speedster’s 35th career win and his first victory since Sept. 14, 2019.
Soon after the green flag waved, Reed rocketed to the front after fighting with Derek Hopkinson of Toms River. Tyler Truex of Little Egg Harbor became Reed’s rival near lap 10 and briefly took command before Reed came roaring back on the inside lane a few laps later, according to a press release.
Soon Holmdel’s Krause advanced from deep in the pack and into second spot. The remaining laps featured a battle royal between the two former champs before Reed beat Krause to the finish line.
Brick Township’s Eric Mauriello came from deep in the field for third, while Truex and Jackson’s Blake Barney wrapped up the top five.
“It’s been a while since we got a win so this one feels real good,” Reed said in the winner’s circle. “My father had some health issues recently so this is real special. Harry doesn’t admit when he feels bad so we just kept it as business as usual. I just want to thank him and everyone who helps me.”
Howell’s Johnny Carpenter raced through the pack and into the lead near the five to go mark to win the companion 25-lapper for the Factory Stocks. It was Carpenter’s second win of the campaign.
Defending champ Elliot Wohl of Beachwood was close at the finish, with Bryan O’Shea of Neptune City, early race leader Scott Riggleman of Manchester and Brick Township’s Nick Catone completing the top five.
Carsten DiGiantomasso beat his brother Jarret to the finish line to win the Sportsman 25-lap main event. Howell’s Kevin Davison overcame an early race tangle for third, with Hazlet’s Chris Silvestri and Jackson’s Jimmy Wolcott fourth and fifth.
Several cars were claimed in a first turn pile-up. Later, Neil Rutt III of Edison was transported to a hospital with reported leg injuries, according to the press release.
The Legend Cars battled in two 25-lap features with each race victor becoming a three-time winner.
In the first race, Quinn Trimmer of Waldwick took the trophy over Joe McGrath of Howell, Mason Magee of Northeast, Md., Brick Township’s Brian Gardella and Jeff Stevens of Howell.
Magee won the nightcap Legend Cars race over Trimmer, Peter Bruno of Little Silver, McGrath and Stevens.
Jackson’s Howie Conk won the 25-lapper for the Limited Late Models over Bayville’s Mike Tillett, Greg Gastelu and Andy Gamble.
The 2021 Saturday night regular season continues July 31. Modifieds, Sportsman cars, Factory Stocks, Fast 4 cars, Legend Cars and TQ Midgets will all compete. Grandstands will open at 4 p.m., qualifying starts at 5 p.m. and main event action starts at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit wallspeedwayracing.com
