Condensed Summer Clash 250 Recap
Photo Courtesy of: WingNut Productions
August 12th, 2023
The electrifying ambiance of Late Model racing unfolded with full fervor at Scotia Speedworld during the Summer Clash 250. Rooted in history with champions like Cassius Clark, Craig Slaunwhite, and Cole Butcher, this year's event, now presented by Ann & Darrin Butcher, was more than just a race; it bore the weight of sentiment. Ann, deeply moved, remembered the recently departed George Doane, Butcher Racing team mate, setting the stage for a race in his honour.
The defending champ, #2 Ashton Tucker, geared up to defend his crown, while Cory Hall, a force to reckon with in New Brunswick, and impressive runs in limited action south of the border, qualified fastest, ensuring a front-row start. Meanwhile, the Pro Stock Tour's leader, #99 Craig Slaunwhite, bravely accepted the Scott Fraser Challenge, prompting him to start from the end and honor a legend, and his Fraser Racing roots. Maritime Late Model star, Dylan Blenkhorn, also started in the rear due to an unexpected technical issue before the green flag, in his long awaited debut race this season.
Hall demonstrated his prowess early on, lapping rivals rapidly. Rookie Danny Chisholm (#89) showed promise until a caution halted his advance on lap 35. The race was intense: Hall and Tucker led, but Reid, Naugle, Butcher, and Eddy weren’t far behind, while Blenkhorn and Slaunwhite carved their way forward.
But the tides turned on lap 69 when Tucker seized the lead from Hall. By lap 81, the likes of Smith Jr., Eddy, and Slaunwhite went pitting. Notably, Slaunwhite used his 2 alotted fresh tires early, adding intrigue to the strategic play.
The drama escalated post-lap 81: Blenkhorn ascended before an issue with his car sent him spinning. He salvaged parts from Chisholm's parked car to re-enter the race, ensuring the audience was hooked until the very last lap, as Blenkhorn re-entered the field 2 laps down.
As the race resumed, Naugle spearheaded the pack with Slaunwhite close behind, while a determined Blenkhorn, two laps down, made a re-entry. The track soon witnessed chaos as Reid's run-in with Rodgers led to Hall's fateful collision, sidelining him for the evening.
The riveting head-to-head between Naugle and Slaunwhite held spectators in thrall. Their close combat culminated in Naugle muscling his way to the lead at the lap 125 halfway mark for the $1,000 bonus. While these two dominated, Veinotte and Messer showcased top-5 potential.
Blenkhorn's fighting spirit was undeniable; by lap 128, his strategic moves granted him a lap back via lucky dog free pass award. Slaunwhite, with Tucker hot on his tail, led at lap 132 but soon fell to Tucker who again took the lead. By lap 160, Naugle advanced past Butcher, targeting Slaunwhite. As the racers surpassed lap 171, Blenkhorn, caught in a strategic trap, found himself having to wait for another caution to get a lucky dog to get back to the lead lap.
In the following laps, Tucker showcased his dominance. Despite leading the pack, he was closely tailed by Naugle, Slaunwhite, Butcher, and Eddy. Meanwhile, Slaunwhite wrestled with his own machine.
Messer's promising drive came to an unfortunate end on lap 194 due to mechanical troubles. This allowed Blenkhorn a shot at the free pass with a little over 50 laps left, embarking on yet another journey through the pack.
Tucker and Naugle's electrifying duel for dominance kept fans on their toes. Meanwhile, Slaunwhite on the high groove, Eddy in the middle groove for 3rd drew Blenkhorn to drive deep and dive making it 3-wide, with a thrilling move.
By lap 225, the battle between Naugle and Tucker was in full swing, promising a tantalizing showdown. However, the drama escalated with Reid and Butcher's aggressive duel, leading to a crash involving Lively, Reid, Butcher, dimming the flamess of their checkered flag aspirations.
As the race reached its climax with a mere 12 laps left, Naugle and Tucker redefined intensity. Blenkhorn, seeing an opportunity, overtook both, capitlizating on their back and forth contact, solidifying a late lead. Tucker, not to be outdone, kept a close tail on Blenkhorn, setting up for a nail-biting finish.
As they approached the final lap, Blenkhorn, with Tucker hot on his heels, blazed to victory in the Summer Clash 250, with the crowd erupting in joy.
With the race over, the focus shifted to championship points. Heading to Riverside Speedway, the close competition between Butcher, Naugle, and Smith Jr. tighten even more; with Naugle 7 pts behind Butcher, and Smith Jr. 1 pt behind Naugle. As Slaunwhite held a 54-point lead, the upcoming Antigonish race forecasted high adrenaline and drama.
