(March 10, 2024) Georgetown, DE – The 2024 Northeast Modified racing season began with a thrilling 40-lap race at Georgetown Speedway. Stewart Friesen emerged victorious in the Jake Marine Memorial, taking home the $8,500 top prize. This win marked Friesen’s 43rd career Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) victory, reinforcing his position at the top of the all-time win list.
Friesen’s Tactical Win
Friesen faced challenging conditions, including significant tire attrition and strong winds up to 40 miles per hour. Despite these hurdles, he managed to secure the lead and maintain it until the end. Starting from the third position, Friesen took the lead after a series of strategic maneuvers and timely advances.
“It was a survival of the fittest, daytime, gnarly afternoon race,” Friesen commented. “We had just enough. Our right-rear tire went out going into turn one just after the checkered.”
Key Competitions and Challenges
Brandon Grosso initially led the race, but tire issues plagued several drivers. Ryan Krachun quickly moved up from sixth to second but encountered a flat tire, while Michael Maresca and Matt Sheppard also faced tire troubles. The race saw multiple cautions due to tire failures, affecting many top contenders, including Grosso and Sheppard.
Despite these challenges, Friesen remained steadfast, ultimately securing the victory. Maresca finished second, and Mike Gular, who started ninth, rounded out the podium despite a flat tire during his post-race interview.
“I saw a piece of canvas fly off Friesen’s car on the last lap,” Maresca explained. “I’ve never seen that before, but I was hoping it was a good sign for us… we did everything we could.”
Upcoming Events
The STSS season continues this weekend, March 15-16, at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, PA. The ‘Speed Showcase’ features a 75-lap race with a $50,000 prize for the STSS Modifieds. The STSS Crate 602 Sportsman will compete in a 50-lap race for a $4,000 prize, and the New York-based Pro Stocks will contest a 25-lap race for a $1,250 prize.
Feature Results (40 laps)
- Stewart Friesen [3]
- Michael Maresca [4]
- Mike Gular [9]
- Ryan Godown [10]
- Mat Williamson [16]
- Anthony Perrego [13]
- Duane Howard [17]
- Ryan Krachun [6]
- Matt Sheppard [5]
- Jeff Strunk [18]
- Jessica Friesen [14]
- Ryan Watt [25]
- Brandon Grosso [1]
- Michael Trautschold [8]
- Tyler Dippel [11]
- Rick Laubach [19]
- Jordan Watson [2]
- Bobby Hackel IV [22]
- Mike Mahaney [7]
- Chris Curtis [24]
- Danny Bouc [12]
- (DNF) Dan Creeden [15]
- (DNF) Austin Hubbard [21]
- (DNF) Carson Wright [27]
- (DNF) Billy Pauch Jr [23]
- (DNF) Danny Hieber [20]
- (DNF) Matt Stangle [26]
Supporting Events
In the STSS Crate 602 Sportsman race, Delaware local Adam White led all 25 laps from the outside of the front row, earning his first career STSS win and a $1,850 prize. Payton Talbot, Matt Peck, Ethan Bill, and Jacob King completed the top five.
Jay Lowman dominated the 12-lap Feebs Distilling Delmarva Charger feature, leading every lap. Randy Galloway and Craig Kelly rounded out the top three.
In the Delaware Super Truck race, Tony Guinta made a late-race pass to win, with Cameron Benson and Robert Smith completing the podium.
