(June 19, 2024) Quincy, IL – Michael Long has been a force to reckon with in the 2024 DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals, clinching his second win of the season at Adams County Speedway on Wednesday night.
Hometown Advantage
The victory marks Long’s ninth career Hell Tour win, with three of those triumphs coming at Adams County, his home track. Long attributes much of his success to his familiarity with the track.
“I just grew up racing here. This is where I started racing,” Long said. “I lived like five miles from here and just got a lot of laps around here.”
Strategic Racing
Starting from fourth on the grid, Long quickly advanced to second place on Lap 2, using the outside lane to chase down polesitter Kenny Wallace. Wallace managed to hold the lead for a few laps, but Long stayed close behind, waiting for his opportunity. On Lap 6, Long made his move, passing Wallace on the inside as they rounded Turn 4.
“Me and Kenny both started on the outside and he took the lead and I was able to follow him,” Long said. “I was able to hug the bottom and he started to skate up a little bit and I was able to get by him.”
Holding Off the Competition
With a clear track ahead, Long had to fend off 2023 Summit Modified champion Tyler Nicely, who was closing in. By Lap 12, Nicely had almost caught up to Long, but a caution flag interrupted his momentum. On the restart, Long got the jump he needed to maintain a comfortable lead and ultimately secure the win.
“Nicely is really good on tracks like that,” Long said. “I had to keep my momentum up and keep going and was able to stay a car length or two in front of him the whole race.”
Upcoming Races
The Summit Modifieds will continue their action-packed season with a visit to Spoon River Speedway on Thursday, June 20, racing alongside the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models.
Abbreviated Results
- Feature (25 Laps):
- 18L-Michael Long[4]
- 25N-Tyler Nicely[3]
- 777-Trevor Neville[1]
- 99-Hunt Gossum[5]
- 36-Kenny Wallace[2]
- 22-Austen Becerra[8]
- 14C-Rick Conoyer[9]
- 59R-Jacob Rexing[12]
- 12L-Lucas Lee[6]
- 1A-Steve Meyer Jr[14]
- 67-Austin Seets[10]
- 17V-Mike Vanderiet Jr[11]
- 27-Michael Turner[13]
- 77D-Drake Stevenson[7]
- 76-Shawn Knuckles[15]
- 54-Zachary Hawk[17]
- 14-Dalton Lane[18]
- 16-Shawn Deering[20]
- 28D-Matt Diaz[21]
- 05-Dave Wietholder[22]
- (DNS) 72-Todd Neiheiser
- (DNS) 25-Greg Belyea
