1.31.19 Top Gun Sprints Results

A.J. Maddox put on a dominant performance to kick off the 2019 Top Gun Sprint Series season with the 25-lap opener as part of the 43rd annual Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park.

Maddox took the lead from Keith Butler with a backstretch charge in the early laps and could not be caught through the duration. Just before a late race caution, Maddox had built up a seven second lead. When the checkered flag flew, only three racers were on the lead lap.
Maddox started the event from the eighth spot. The front three spots were occupied by heat race winners Billy Bridges, Nebraska’s Tim Fricke and Butler. Each appeared to be in prime position to lay claim to the Jeff Barfield Memorial Clean Sweep Award and the $300 that awaited the one who could pull it off.

Butler looked like he had the best shot, taking the early lead. Bridges was quickly eliminated by a lap two spin and contact with Bruce Durden, sending Bridges topping and both out of the race in the event’s only red flag. Frick began to fade, but Butler’s grip on the top spot was under assault from Maddox, who soon made it a moot point.

Several drivers took turn in the runner-up spot. Dylan Colding slipped behind Maddox on lap five, but mechanical issues ended the charge by lap 12. Frank Beck now took over and had the best run, eventually finishing in that spot.

The field of racers included drivers from Nebraska and New Hampshire along with a strong contingent of Sunshine State speedsters.
The Top Gun Sprint Series will contest night #2 on Friday, Feb. 1.

A-MAIN: A.J. Maddox (3A), Frank Beck (89), Brandon Grubaugh (20), Robbie Smith (6S), Keith Butler (19), Johnnie Alexander (1L), Mark Cole (6X), Luke Hill (41), Garrett Green (82), D.J. Peeples (30), Tim George (1*), Tim Fricke (43MB), Dylan Colding (23D), Kyle Connery (91), Aileen Collins-Love (17C), Travis Bliemeister (3), Billy Bridges (11B), Bruce Durden (71D), Bryan Eckley (12B). DNS – Justin Webster