(March 15, 2024) DuQuoin, IL – Thomas Meseraull showcased his mastery of the Southern Illinois Center’s 1/6-mile dirt oval on Friday night, winning the season opener for the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota. The 43-year-old veteran from San Jose, CA, led from lap five to capture the $4,000 prize and his fourth career Midget win at this venue.
A Noteworthy Win
The victory marked Meseraull’s first with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series. Initially surprised by the news, he expressed his excitement in Victory Lane. “It’s always nice to etch your name in the history books,” Meseraull said. “Nobody remembers who was second.”
The Race Unfolds
Starting from the outside pole, Meseraull immediately pressured polesitter Tyler Edwards, who was making his national Midget series debut. Edwards led the first four laps, but Meseraull was right behind, waiting for an opportunity. A caution gave Meseraull the chance he needed. “I thought, ‘Okay Thomas, you really need to calm down, there’s no need to be doing sliders on Lap 1 and 2. Let’s just try to work the bottom and see if he makes a mistake,'” Meseraull explained. He successfully took the lead on lap five and maintained it for the rest of the race.
Battling Through the Pack
While Meseraull held the lead, the competition for the remaining top spots intensified. Gavin Miller, who started third, dropped back initially but found speed on the top side, moving up to second by lap 18. “I just had to play my cards right,” Miller said. Despite his efforts, Miller could not pass Meseraull.
On the final restart, Meseraull maintained his lead, while Miller fought off a challenge from Zach Daum, who finished third. “He [Meseraull] did a good job, congrats to him, and we’ll try again tomorrow,” Miller commented.
Upcoming Event
The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series continues Saturday night at the Southern Illinois Center with a 40-lap, $5,000-to-win race. Tickets will be available at the door, and the event will also be streamed live on DIRTVision.
Feature Results (30 laps)
- Thomas Meseraull [2]
- Gavin Miller [3]
- Zach Daum [7]
- Shane Cottle [6]
- Cannon McIntosh [13]
- Joe B Miller [10]
- Will Armitage [18]
- Karter Sarff [11]
- Mitchell Davis [22]
- Chase McDermand [19]
- Hayden Reinbold [20]
- Ryan Timms [8]
- Austin Torgerson [17]
- Jade Avedisian [21]
- Tyler Edwards [1]
- Gunnar Setser [16]
- Taylor Reimer [15]
- Peter Smith [14]
- Tyler Smith [9]
- Tyler Robbins [12]
- Ethan Mitchell [4]
- Trevor Cline [5]
