(May 14, 2024) Accord, NY – Stewart Friesen claimed victory in a rain-shortened ‘Battle of the Bullring’ at Accord Speedway, part of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled by Sunoco. The win brought Friesen a payday exceeding $9,090.90, honoring Barry Davis, a longtime favorite at Accord Speedway.
Key Moments and Strategy
The race’s pivotal moment came during a restart at lap 25, the scheduled halfway point. Friesen, seizing the opportunity, maneuvered around Accord’s all-time winningest driver, Rich Ricci Jr., securing his 45th career STSS victory. The 33-lap event kicked off the River Valley Builders North Region and was the fourth round of the Ollie’s Overall Championship.
Friesen, reflecting on his victory, said, “Battling with a Ricci at Accord – what could be more fitting? Rich ran a really good race and was really hitting the bottom well. I’m truly honored to win the first Barry Davis tribute race.”
Starting from the fifth position, Friesen moved strategically through the pack. Elmira, N.Y.’s Ajay Potrzebowski II and Savannah, N.Y.’s Matt Sheppard initially took the front row. Potrzebowski led early but spun out on lap seven, dealing with power steering issues. This allowed Andy Bachetti to briefly take the lead, only to be overtaken by Ricci Jr. shortly after.
Intense Battle for the Lead
As the race progressed, Friesen and Ricci Jr. battled fiercely for the top spot, while Alex Yankowski emerged from 15th to fourth, showcasing impressive driving skills. Despite several yellow flags disrupting the race, Friesen maintained pressure on Ricci Jr.
On the crucial lap-25 restart, Friesen used the outside groove to edge past Ricci Jr. and took the lead. Another yellow flag on lap 33 led to the race’s end as rain intensified, officially declaring Friesen the winner.
Post-Race Reflections and Standings
Ricci Jr., who finished second, expressed his frustration with the frequent yellow flags but acknowledged the strong performance of his car. Mat Williamson, from St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, secured third place, furthering his lead in the Ollie’s Overall Championship.
Yankowski finished fourth, followed by Sheppard in fifth. Positions six through ten were occupied by Mike Mahaney, Danny Tyler, Tyler Johnston, Michael Maresca, and Marc Johnson, who was recognized as the Lisa Decker Memorial Hard Charger for advancing from 25th to 10th.
Looking Ahead
The event featured 56 STSS big-block/small-block Modifieds, with heat winners including Friesen, Williamson, Ricci Jr., Tyler Boniface, Bobby Hackel IV, and Bachetti. Consolation race winners were Maresca, Joe Judge, and Michael Storms.
Due to rain, the STSS Crate 602 Sportsman feature was postponed, with all qualified cars receiving an equal payout and participation points.
The next event, the ‘Berks County Brawl,’ is scheduled for May at Action Track USA in Kutztown, Pa., featuring a 50-lap race with a $5,000 prize and 75 show-up points for participants. The event will also include the 600cc Micro Sprints.
Feature Results (50 Laps):
- Stewart Friesen [5]
- Rich Ricci Jr. [11]
- Mat Williamson [9]
- Alex Yankowski [15]
- Matt Sheppard [2]
- Mike Mahaney [8]
- Danny Tyler [13]
- Tyler Johnston [6]
- Michael Maresca [19]
- Marc Johnson [25]
- Michael Storms [21]
- Jack Lehner [18]
- Bobby Hackel IV [10]
- Hunter Lapp [27]
- Randy Green [14]
- Jimmy Wells [16]
- JR Hurlburt [26]
- Scott Ferrier [23]
- Danny Creeden [4]
- Dillon Steuer [12]
- Daniel Morgiewicz Jr. [17]
- Craig Mitchell [24]
- Will Shields [22]
- Ajay Potrzebowski II [1]
- Andy Bachetti [3]
- Joe Judge [20]
- Tyler Boniface [7]
