Count It: Michael Wray Scores Second Late Model Victory Of 2019 At Stafford



Michael Wray celebrates victory in the Late Model feature Friday at Stafford Speedway (Photo: Jim DuPont/RaceDayCT)

STAFFORD – When Michael Wray got his first victory of the 2019 season at Stafford Speedway on opening day there was something missing for the Northford driver. 

Instead of celebrating in victory lane, the victor’s trophy got raised in the paddock at Stafford by Wray, who had finished second in the 30-lap Late Model feature on May 4 at Stafford Speedway. Apparent race winner Kevin Gambacorta ultimately was disqualified, giving the victory to Wray. 

Friday Wray got his chance to make up for that missed celebration, and also answer some questions he was having about his own program. 

Wray took the lead on lap three after a three-wide battle for the top spot and led the rest of the way to win the 30-lap Late Model feature Friday at Stafford Speedway. 

“It’s nice to get the first legitimate victory of the year,” Wray said. “We won the opener but it didn’t really feel like a win not getting to go to victory lane.” 

Albert Saunders of Stafford was second and Michael Bennett of Stafford third. 

“It’s pretty nice,” Wray said. “We’ve struggled really bad all year. I’ve struggled with ‘Why do I keep doing this? Keep going through the pain?’ But it paid off here.” 

Wray was part of a three-wide battle with Bennett and Saunders for the lead on lap three. 

“That was awesome,” Wray said. “We hardly touched. I think we got together a little bit in [turns] three and four, but we ran each other clean. That’s a lot of respect right there. Those are a couple of really good guys to run with.” 


Do you enjoy what you’re reading and seeing here at RaceDayCT? Would you like to see continued coverage of New England short track racing? Your support can help ensure that professional coverage of short track racing can continue at RaceDayCT, and you can get some great rewards for that support. Patreon allows readers to make small monthly contributions to RaceDayCT that support the ongoing coverage of short track racing. Your pledge comes with exclusive tiered reward programs for offering that support. For just a $5 a month pledge fans can have access to the weekly Unmuffled podcast. For more information click the link here.


Comments

  1. I’d prefer the LM division that is producing some pretty respectable fields be evenly matched. But if it takes a wreck to slow down Tom and produce a different winner then we’ll take it.
    All in all a banner night for some unexpected winners. Hydar, the perpetual brides maid in the Streets getting a win so good for him. Owen who now is a three time winner not new to victory lane but it;s Owen. Who can say the don’t smile when he does well fan or not. The grinder Wesley Prucker gets a long awaited win. Patnode a one time winner but a Rocky nonetheless. And Wray. Good fortune hovered gently over his car as he takes down the win so good for him.
    The dog day mid summer blues are settling in with a lot of bonehead moves and wrecks. It will all sort itself out as the late season approaches and the fields mature. They always do.

  2. Congrats to Michael and the 42 team. Wow, Tom took a hard hit on the driver’s side, I was surprised to see him drive away. For a few laps he was going forward, but then dropped back. That 3 wide battle was fun to watch.

Leave a Reply

Copyright 2018 E-Media Sports

Website Designed by Thirty Marketing