(July 3, 2024) Fultonville, NY – The 2024 Firecracker 50 at Fonda Speedway lived up to its name with heart-pounding action and dramatic twists. The modifieds were ready to dance under the lights, and fans were treated to an unforgettable race. Matt Sheppard emerged victorious, securing a $10,000 payday and adding another win to his illustrious career.
Early Race Action
As the green flag waved, Ronnie Johnson took the early lead, but the action was quickly interrupted when Bobby Hackel slowed on the back straight and Rocky Warner entered the infield. Meanwhile, Matt Williamson was on the move, snatching the lead from Johnson down the backstretch as the battle for positions intensified.
The 28 of Mike Trout hit the wall, adding to the early chaos. Williamson held the lead, but Stewart Friesen made a bold move to take over the top spot by Turn 2. However, misfortune struck Friesen with a flat tire on Lap 27, dropping him from contention.
Mid-Race Battles
As the race progressed, Sheppard began to make his presence felt. After starting from the sixth position, the defending race winner methodically worked his way through the field. By the halfway mark, he was in a fierce side-by-side duel with Williamson for the lead. Their wheel-to-wheel combat captivated the crowd, with Sheppard eventually taking the lead.
The intense racing continued with multiple restarts and position changes. Williamson fought back valiantly, but Sheppard’s experience and skill on restarts kept him in front.
Late-Race Drama
A late caution on Lap 37 brought the field back together, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Sheppard navigated the final laps, holding off a determined charge from Williamson. As the laps wound down, Sheppard extended his lead, demonstrating why he is one of the best in the business.
Victory Lane
Sheppard crossed the finish line first, securing his second consecutive Firecracker 50 victory. Williamson finished second, with Anthony Perrego, Alex Yankowski, and Tyler Dippel rounding out the top five.
Reflecting on the win, it’s been since March that Matt Sheppard has gone to victory lane with the Short Track Super Series.
Firecracker 50 Feature (50 Laps):
- Matt Sheppard [6]
- Mat Williamson [3]
- Anthony Perrego [4]
- Alex Yankowski [8]
- Tyler Dippel [7]
- Stewart Friesen [5]
- Chris Raabe [22]
- Marc Johnson [2]
- Jessica Friesen [17]
- Michael Maresca [21]
- Jack Lehner [13]
- Mike Mahaney [16]
- Dave Constantino [19]
- Cody Clark [15]
- Gary Edwards III [18]
- Roger Henion Jr [27]
- Ronnie Johnson [1]
- Demetrios Drellos [10]
- Tucker O’Connor [24]
- Brian Pessolano [20]
- Darryl Mitchell [25]
- Brandon Walters [23]
- Francois Bellemare [26]
- Michael Trautschold [14]
- Alex Payne [9]
- Bobby Hackel IV [11]
- Rocky Warner [12]
