STAFFORD – Gary Patnode literally couldn’t get closer to his first career victory. How close? About one one-hundredth of a second close.
Following a last lap side-by-side duel, Duane Provost edged Patnode at the checkered flag by inches to win the 15-lap Limited Late Model feature Friday at Stafford Speedway.
It was the first victory of the season for Provost, a two-time Limited Late Model champion from Palmer, Mass.
Jeremy Lavoie of Windsor Locks was third.
Patnode, of Barkhamstead, got by Alexandra Fearn for the lead on lap seven and looked on cruise control to victory lane. But over the closing laps it was Provost biting deeply into that lead before getting to the bumper of the leader with three laps left.
On lap 14 Provost got under Patnode into turn three and took the lead off turn four. Patnode fought back down the frontstretch and led the pair as they took the white flag.
They remained side-by-side through the course of the final lap with Provost getting the edge at the checkered.
“It was a lot of fun,” Provost said. “If I didn’t win I wanted Gary to win. But I really need that win in the beginning of the year. We had a really close race. We were both very clean and hopefully put on a good show.”
Said Patnode: “I knew Duane was right there. I knew I had to hold my line. I had a champion behind me. I felt him touch me, I though I had my first win. Congratulations Duane, you are the man, you took it from me. That was so much fun though. Unbelievable fun.”
Zach Robinson of Putnam passed Jason Lafayette on lap 15 and went on to win the 20-lap Street Stock feature.
Nicole Chambrello of Kensington was second and Lafayette of Somers third.
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