Brian McClelland topped the opening leg of the Kennedale parking lot challenge by earning a much-needed victory in Friday night’s frenetic 25-lap American Sprint Car Series Lone Star Region main event at Kennedale Speedway Park.
The two-time ASCS Sooner Region champion hailing from Tulsa, OK, cashed in on Travis Rilat’s late misfortune, pacing the final handful of circuits to the checkered flag after Rilat surrendered the point with steering woes.
“This year has been the worst, we really needed this one,” a relieved McClelland commented after his second overall ASCS Regional win of the year. “In fact, we both needed it,” he stated in reference to long-time Sooner Region car owner Ronnie Davis, whom he joined forces with several weeks ago.
McClelland’s final stint at the front of the pack was his third different time to lead the wild 25-lapper after starting from the outside pole position aboard Davis’ D&L Performance Machine No. 25 Eagle.
Outgunning pole starter Skip Wilson for the lead at the drop of the green flag, McClelland reached the tail of the field in just three circuits on the tight ¼-mile clay oval, establishing what would become a recurring theme in the race.
“It seemed like it was just two or three laps and you were beating on lapped traffic again,” McClelland explained. “And those guys were racing for position too, it was tough.”
McClelland gave up the lead for the first time when Wilson took advantage of traffic on the sixth round. McClelland battled back three laps later, only to have Michael Lang’s turn one spin bring out a caution that negated the move.
McClelland wasted little time on the restart though, blasting past Wilson in turns three and four to reclaim the lead on the ninth circuit. “He left an opening and I was able to take advantage.”
With traffic an ever-present factor and cars throughout the field often bicycling at either end of the track, ninth-starter Rilat was on the move. Up to third by the time Lang spun, Rilat raced past Wilson for second on the tenth round and began putting the heat on McClelland for the point.
Finding the opening he needed, Rilat charged into the lead on the 14th circuit and appeared to be destined for victory lane until steering issues forced him to a stop in turn two on the 21st lap.
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