Newlin’s Night Cut Short at The Grove

Sometimes things don’t go your way and there’s nothing you can do about it.  Zach Newlin certainly can testify to that lately.  His last opportunity at Williams Grove Speedway was taken away by Mother Nature and the chance before that ended prematurely with a flat tire after starting inside the top 10.  When he returned to the legendary oval last week, he was just looking to have some fun and log a top five finish like he knew the team was capable of.  

Twenty HJ Towing and Recovery 358 sprint cars signed in to compete at Williams Grove Speedway on Friday, June 26th.  Two 8-lap heats were lined up using a handicapping system based on the season point standings, which put Newlin in the 6th starting spot in the first heat.  

The wheelman from Millerstown, PA realized quickly at the drop of the green that he had a good car under him.  He was able to move forward right out of the gate, and the car was balanced and comfortable.  Halfway through the race, as he moved into 3rd, the engine blew and abruptly brought an end to Newlin’s night.

The feature lineup was to be ‘heads-up’ based on the heat finishes, therefore until the failure, Newlin was likely in line for a 6th starting spot and a solid shot at the top five finish he wanted out of the night, but once again something beyond his control intervened.  

In July, Zach Daddy and the Mansberger Motorsports team will compete in two 358 sprint car events at Williams Grove Speedway.  You can bet they will be determined to not let that monkey get too comfortable on their back.  The pair of Summer Series points races are scheduled for July 16th and July 30th.