STAFFORD – Tyler Leary held off the charges of Ryan Fearn late to win the 50-lap Late Model feature Friday at Stafford Speedway.
It was the first victory of the season for Leary of Hatfield, Mass. and his fourth in the division. His last win was Aug. 30, 2019.
“We’ve had a bad run here,” Leary said. “… These guys just pulled the pin tonight. Everyone was just driving like animals.”
Fearn, of East Longmeadow, Mass., was second and Albert Saunders of Stafford third.
After a wild skirmish up front. Leary went to the led on lap 19 and had the dominant car up front.
With Leary holding about a half second lead on Fearn, caution flew on lap 45.
On the ensuing restart Fearn stayed to the outside and led at the line. Fearn stayed outside and led at the line on lap 46. But on lap 47 the battle for the lead saw Fearn get up the track and Leary was able to pull away. After losing second to Saunders, Fearn fought back to the runner-up spot before the checkered.
“I was so desperate I probably would have cleaned out my mom for a win here,” Leary said.
Best quote of the night from Leary referring to drivers “pulling the pin”. They sure did. Well maybe second best to being so desperate he’d clean out his mom for a win.
Such a shame the Late Models get their moment to shine being the headliner and it runs so late. “Late” model for sure.
Still think Ryan Fearn is a menace? He’s one of the best parts of the division and for those thinking he somehow comes up short in the respect category you’re gonna wanna watch the post race interviews.
Leary seemed to think Fearn was terrific, Fearn didn’t mind getting leaned on for a position and all that shown through was mutual respect.
This isn’t good. I feel a fever coming on. A fever that’s challenging my entire belief system in modifieds. A fever for this group of Late Models that’s pretty swell.
Congrats to Tyler, and your team for winning the 50 lap LM race. Good job.