It's all Michael at the URC Season Opener at Bridgeport Speedway
With the sun setting in the distance, New York Invader Chuck Hebing led the 20 URC Sprints to the green flag. Before a lap was completed, the potent, Bill Gallagher owned 5G with Curt Michael in the driver’s seat overtook Hebing coming out of turn 4. From lap 1 until 25, Curt Michael led the 2015 URC Season opener, scoring the 50th URC win of his career.
Before the 2nd lap could be completed, the 17J of Jonathan Swanson stopped in turn 1. During the caution, Robbie Stillwaggon headed to the pits only to return just prior to the green flag. On the restart, Curt Michael led with Chuck "Cobra" Hebing close in tow along with Josh Weller, Troy Betts and Jimmy Stitzel rounding out the top 5. On lap 3 Weller overtook Hebing for the runner up spot. One lap later Hebing retired to the infield with power steering problems. The Quality Auto Body 360 sprinter of Robbie Stillwaggon returned to the pits again on lap 5 with a fuel pump issue. The 17J of Swanson stopped again in turns 1-2 on lap 6. A hard charging Randy West made his way up into the top 5 only to retire on lap 8 with motor issues. Lap 11 saw Jason Cherry flip hard in turn 1. Cherry reported that the car got a little loose then hit a rut and began to flip. Cherry walked away, but the 67 was totally demolished. On the restart, Michael jumped out again to the lead with Josh Weller and the Eldreth sponsored sprinter close behind. With the top 5 of Michael, Weller, Betts, Stitzel and Franek all running the top line, Michael began to catch the end of the field on lap 17. Michael worked through lapped traffic for the remaining 8 laps and went on to score his 50th career URC win. The top 5 included runner up Josh Weller, Troy Betts, reigning URC Champion, Davie Franek, and URC rookie Tyler Ross, who gained 9 positions aboard the second Eldreth Construction ride.
With a total of 22 cars on hand, URC had 3 heat races with heat wins going to Robbie Stillwaggon, Chuck Hebing and Curt Michael. With the 76 of Jamie Bodo and the 8w of PJ Williams retiring their cars after the heats, a consi was no longer needed. Many drivers were spotted in the pits during the night. Andy Best reports recently purchasing the 360 of Kevin Darling, so the 88B will be back in action soon. Kevin Darling reports that he is still getting the 9D together, but will be back on track soon. Also, Tim Hogue is reportedly waiting on a motor before he and Kyle Reinhardt can hit the track in the 39 car.
Next up for the United Racing Club on May 2nd will be the annual running of the Jack Gunn Memorial race at Selinsgrove Speedway. The following night URC will travel to Susquehanna Speedway for a special Sunday night show.
- Robbie Stillwaggon on Apr 12, 2015
- Article Date: 4/12/2015 by Tim Moran