Plainfield, IN - Saturday rounded out the Amsoil USAC National Series Season in the Midwest with the rescheduled Jim Hurtubise Classic at Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute, IN. The nice October day drew a larger than normal crowd to the historic half mile to witness one of the most thrilling main events the series has had year to date. Some might argue the most intense, on the edge of your seat racing action they have seen at T.H.A.T. in years.
The final night in Indiana for 2016 started with another top 5 qualifying effort by Chad Boespflug. Any time one can time within the top 6 takes a little weight off ones shoulders knowing that finishing in a transfer position in a heat race earns you a spot within the invert for the main. Boespflug raced his way to a third place finish in his heat race transferring and securing a spot within the invert.
Boespflug charged to the front and took over the race lead in the early laps of the race before a hard charging Chris Windom would quickly put himself in contention. Windom took the lead away shortly after Boespflug secured it from Justin Grant. That's when Boespflug began to go to work on the high side of the track as Windom rolled the bottom to try and regain the lead. Just after halfway Boespflug had gained within a car length of Windom. The two battled close, but Boespflug was stronger in turn 3 and 4 and was able to carry that momentum down the front stretch and retake the lead. He may have regained the lead but the fight was far from over. Boespflug and Windom raced side by side for many laps. Windom quickly moved up the race track and ran the same line as Boespflug knocking at his rear bumper closer and closer each lap. The two swapped breathtaking sliders in an attempt to out race one another off the corners. In the end Windom had a faster car exiting turn two and was able to get the drive Boespflug searched for all race off two to take away the lead with just two laps to go. A hard fought battle all 30 laps landed Boespflug another podium finish.
With just five races remaining on the USAC National schedule the series heads out for the West Coast swing in just a few weeks. The down time for Boespflug and his NineEight Motorsports / EZR Team will be spent preparing for some of the largest races the series schedule hosts. As the series travels west the first stop is a new track for Boespflug as Arizona Speedway is the new venue for Western World this year. Following the two day show in Queen Creek, AZ they will travel 6 hours west to Perris, CA where the series points championship will conclude with the prestigious Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway.
Thank You to All Continued Supporting Partners:
Amsoil, Bell Helmets, Butlerbuilt Seats, B & W Auto Mart, Capitol Renegade and Custom Trailer Sales, Claxton Engines, Creative Finishing, DLG, DMI, FK Indy, HRP, Indy Race Parts, InTech Trailers, Malvern Trust & Savings Bank, Manvel Motorsports, Maxim Racing, Midwest Shades, PAC Racing Springs, RevvedUp Industries, Rockwell Time, Saldana Racing Products, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Shaws, Schoenfeld Headers, Simpson Race Products, STIDA, Walker Performance Filters, and Wilwood.
Race Results:
10/15 - Terre Haute Action Track - Terre Haute, IN - Qualifying: 4th / 22 Cars - Heat Race: S 5th F 3rd - AMain: S 3rd F 2nd USAC National
Upcoming Events:
11/4 - Arizona Speedway - Queens Creek, AZ - Western World USAC
11/5 - Arizona Speedway - Queens Creek, AZ - Western World USAC
11/10 - Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA - Oval Nationals USAC
11/11 - Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA - Oval Nationals USAC
11/12 - Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA - Oval Nationals USAC
Photo Credits: Collin Markle Photography, Rich Corbett, and Ryan Kent Jr
