(July 12, 2024) Fairbury, NE – Justin Grant emerged victorious in the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship feature event at Jefferson County Speedway on Friday night. The Ione, Calif. native capitalized on Zach Wigal’s slip-up and led the final 12 laps to secure his first USAC National Midget win since September 2023.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Grant had come close to victory in the first two Mid-America Midget Week feature events, leading laps at both Oklahoma’s Red Dirt Raceway and Kansas’ Mitchell County Fairgrounds before falling short. This time, Grant seized the opportunity at Jefferson County Speedway, taking advantage of Wigal’s mistake to capture the win.
“I feel like we’ve had a really good car all week after we really struggled to start the year,” Grant said. “It feels great to be back in victory lane. I’d like to say I’m really excited, but honestly, I’m just relieved. It just feels good to be back up here.”
Overcoming Challenges
Grant’s journey to victory wasn’t without challenges. After lining up on the pole, he was initially overtaken by Wigal. However, Wigal’s mistake on Lap 18 allowed Grant to take the lead. Despite pressure from Cannon McIntosh and Logan Seavey, Grant held on to win by 0.427 seconds.
“I feel like, in the midgets, when the cushion slows down, I can kind of compete,” Grant explained. “When it slows down and gets a little technical, you’ve got to start picking and choosing. I can go make some money then.”
Key Moments
- Early Leader: Zach Wigal took the early lead from the outside front row, holding the position for 18 laps.
- Grant’s Opportunity: Wigal’s slip on Lap 18 allowed Grant to take the lead.
- Late Pressure: McIntosh and Seavey challenged Grant in the final laps, but Grant’s experience and composure ensured his victory.
Podium Finishers
Cannon McIntosh finished second, marking his best career result at Jefferson County Speedway. Logan Seavey, after two frustrating nights, returned to form with a third-place finish. Jade Avedisian made a remarkable charge from 20th to finish fifth, earning hard charger honors.
“I think our car just came in good at the end there,” McIntosh said. “I finally played some offense and figured out where to run.”
Feature Results
Feature (30 Laps):
- Justin Grant [1]
- Cannon McIntosh [3]
- Logan Seavey [5]
- Ryan Timms [8]
- Jade Avedisian [20]
- Gavin Miller [11]
- Kale Drake [4]
- Jake Andreotti [9]
- Mitchell Davis [16]
- Zach Daum [17]
- Jacob Denney [10]
- Zach Wigal [2]
- Jerry Coons Jr. [15]
- Thomas Meseraull [13]
- Kyle Jones [6]
- Don Droud Jr. [21]
- Daison Pursley [7]
- Brian Schwabauer [22]
- Ricky Lewis [12]
- Lance Bennett [19]
- Trey Zorn [14]
- Zack Merritt [24]
- Curtis Spicer [23]
- Daniel Whitley [18]
