Gary Lindberg is no stranger to Victory Lane at Ransomville Speedway. In fact, he’s already been there on four occasions this season.
But on Tuesday night, the Ridgeway, ON driver earned his biggest win yet, leading all 60 laps to win the Flyin’ Brian and Ray Stevens Memorial.
It’s a $5,444 victory he won’t forget anytime soon.
“This is probably my biggest win, and the most money we’ve ever won,” Lindberg said. “It’s good for the team. Thanks for everyone coming out. It’s a Tuesday night; we had a lot of help in the pits, and the car was amazing.”
Mike Mahaney and Lindberg led the field to the green in the 60-lap Feature, but it wasn’t long before the No. 37S took advantage. Lindberg thundered around “Smooth Shoe” in Turns 1 and 2 and pulled away, opening a full straightaway lead through the first 10 laps.
Lindberg’s lead would go away on the race’s first caution on Lap 19 for Austin Susice, but it didn’t deter Lindberg, who drove by Mahaney again on the outside when the race resumed on Lap 22.
With Lindberg out front, Mahaney held off championship rival Mat Williamson for more than 15 laps, trying to extend his points lead over the defending champion. However, the Elizabethtown, NY driver’s good run came to an end on Lap 47, when he slowed on the backstretch.
That would be the race’s final caution as Lindberg drove away from Williamson on the restart. But it wasn’t over yet, as “Money Mat” made a late charge for the lead. It wasn’t enough, though, as Lindberg held on to reach DIRTcar 358 Modified Series Victory Lane for the first time.
“The track was fast tonight,” Lindberg said. “It was pretty hairy up there against the wall. I started getting too close to the wall, so I changed my line. I didn’t really feel fast, but I didn’t see anybody, so I thought it was the most consistent.
“I knew Williamson was behind me, and if you make one mistake, he’s a hell of a racecar driver.”
Williamson crossed the line second, earning his fifth straight Series podium since opening the season with a 29th at Lebanon Valley. The St. Catharines, ON driver said track position was vital in earning Tuesday’s win.
“Hats off to the No. 37S, they were good tonight,” Williamson said. “I didn’t feel like we were as maneuverable as we were on Friday. These things are so close that one little miscue definitely makes a difference on if you win or lose.”
With his runner-up finish, Williamson has taken the points lead, leaving Ransomville with a 22-point lead over Mahaney, who finished 19th.
Stewart Friesen rounded out the podium in his first Series start of the season. Peter Britten finished fourth, and Ryan Susice rounded out the top five.
UP NEXT: The DIRTcar 358 Modified Series returns to action with back-to-back nights at Can-Am Speedway in LaFargeville, NY, on Thursday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept. 11.
For more on the DIRTcar Northeast, follow the DIRTcar Northeast Facebook page.
Stevens Memorial: 1. 37S-Gary Lindberg[2]; 2. 6-Mat Williamson[3]; 3. 44-Stewart Friesen[9]; 4. 21A-Peter Britten[4]; 5. 38-Ryan Susice[12]; 6. 25-Erick Rudolph[6]; 7. 92-Andrew Buff[5]; 8. 3-Chad Brachmann[20]; 9. 01-Chris Raabe[14]; 10. 35R-Nelson Mason[8]; 11. 22-Noah Walker[11]; 12. 31-Lance Willix[7]; 13. 18R-Brad Rouse[15]; 14. 11S-Steven Lewis Jr[19]; 15. 14-CG Morey[16]; 16. B24-Brendan Gibbons[26]; 17. 5-Jack Butler[18]; 18. 117-CJ Castelletti[21]; 19. (DNF) 35-Mike Mahaney[1]; 20. (DNF) 26-Kyle Richner[17]; 21. (DNF) 1S-Andrew Smith[13]; 22. (DNF) 68-Austin Susice[10]; 23. (DNF) R44-Ryan Barrett[23]; 24. (DNF) 678-John Smith[25]; 25. (DNF) 132-Jessica Kriegisch[22]; 26. (DNF) 54JR-Scott Just[24]
Hoosier Racing Tire Award (Free Tire): Noah Walker
