By Jay Fish WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (May 3) – Nine and a half hours, 33 competitors and 35 grueling laps were what it took for Ionia, Mich.’s A.J. Ward to capture $2,500 and some impressive hardware in Weedsport Speedway’s inaugural IMCA Modified Northeast Shootout. “I didn’t come 9-1/2 hours for nothing,” a triumphant Ward declared, celebratory rifle in hand, a gift from Weedsport Speedway management for the Empire State Series event winner. “Stuff happened so fast, they bobbled, I shot the gap and next thing I know, I had the lead,” Ward recounted of his move for the lead with just six laps to go. Dundee, N.Y.’s Rich Karlnoski had led the previous 29 circuits when disaster struck. Karlnoski’s luck and suspension all broke into pieces and he’d have to settle for a 14th place finish. Runner-up was series point leader Eddie Sites. Defending tour champion James Cornell, Glen Erwin and Brad Sites completed the top five. Ward made the long trip east after winning the Friday feature for IMCA Xtreme Motor Sports Modifieds at Tri-City Motor Speedway and running fifth Saturday at [Read More]