(April 27, 2024) Peoria, IL – In a dramatic turn of events at Peoria Speedway, Ryan Unzicker of El Paso, Illinois, clinched victory in Saturday’s 40-lap Garry Swibold Memorial race after inheriting the lead from race-long leader Brian Shirley, who encountered suspension issues on lap 35. Unzicker, starting 12th, capitalized on the opportunity to lead the remaining circuits, securing his first win of the season and his eighth career triumph in the MARS Late Model Championship Series.
With a winner’s purse of $5,098, Unzicker’s victory marked his second consecutive triumph in the Swibold Memorial event, a testament to his skill and determination on the track. Reflecting on his win, Unzicker expressed gratitude to his crew, sponsors, and the Swibold family for their support. “I can’t thank all my crew, my sponsors, the Swibold family for putting a lot of this money out and the MARS Series (enough),” Unzicker remarked. “We’ve been struggling a little bit the first couple of times out, a little miscommunication with the MB Customs team and myself. This is the very first night that we was able to make those changes.”
The race saw several noteworthy performances, including Tommy Sheppard Jr., who finished second after Shirley’s departure, and Jake Little, who claimed third place on lap 38. Justin Duty impressed by advancing 12 positions to secure fourth place, while Allen Weisser overcame adversity to finish fifth.
Unzicker’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his sponsors, including RJR Transportation, Brucker Farms, and Mosquito Hero, among others. His MB Customs Race Car, equipped with a Pro Power Racing Engine, proved to be a winning combination on the challenging track.
With the points chase heating up, Unzicker’s victory catapults him into the lead, with Tommy Sheppard Jr., Jake Little, Justin Duty, and Allen Weisser in close pursuit.
The next series race at Kankakee County Speedway in Kankakee, Illinois, with a $5,000 prize up for grabs.
Results:
Memorial
- Ryan Unzicker (12)
- Tommy Sheppard Jr. (8)
- Jake Little (5)
- Justin Duty (16)
- Allen Weisser (9)
- Frank Heckenast Jr. (21)
- Mike Spatola (15)
- Mitch McGrath (20)
- Rich Bell (11)
- Austin Howes (18)
- Kye Blight (13)
- Jason Feger (6)
- Bob Gardner (1)
- Russ Adams (23)
- Brian Shirley (2)
- Dennis Erb Jr. (3)
- Brayton Wallace (10)
- Roben Huffman (19)
- McKay Wenger (22)
- Colby Sheppard (4)
- Daniel Adams (19)
- Mark Voigt (14)
- Jeffrey Ledford (7)
