Gustin takes XSAN Hawkeye Dirt Tour checkers at Benton County
VINTON, Iowa (Aug. 18) – Richie Gustin raced to his career seventh XSAN Hawkeye Dirt Tour feature win on the night Tyler Droste nearly raced to his first. Gustin caught Droste with two circuits left in Monday’s 30-lapper for IMCA Xtreme Motor Sports Modifieds, then pulled ahead to take the $1,000 checkers by four car lengths. He’s now the eighth different winner in as many tour events this season. Defending series champion Ronn Lauritzen, early leader Vern Jackson and Joe Docekal completed the top five. Jackson started outside the front row and led the first 19 laps. Droste had drawn the pole and wasn’t much more than half a car length off the pace much of that distance. Getting a good run out of the fourth turn, Droste took the lead on lap 20, right before a quick succession of three yellow flags. Gustin sped along the lower line. After a restart with four laps left, he went to the top side of the oval and finally caught up with Droste with two to go. [Read More]