Purple Clone June 20, 2015 Recap
The Purple Clone Class did not see any major action until Lap 14. Brian Cressley #62 managed to pass Kasey Markam #8K early in the feature and then Carter Williams #83X on a later lap, sending both young drives one lap down.
Lap 13 of the 15-Lap Purple Clone Feature came to a close with Brian Cressley leading. Behind Cressley on the lead lap at at the close of Lap 13 was Chad Ramsey #14R, , Cody Stronghart #33, Brandon Lobb #28L, Trey Whyte #99W, Mason Lobb #28, and Collin Johnson #14J.
Lap 14 proved to be the "big one". Cressley breezed across the finish line quite far ahead of Ramsey who was running in second and Stronghart running in third. As Brandon Lobb tried to pass Williams' lapped kart, the two karts tangled, allowing Whyte, Johnson and lapped Markham to squeeze around the wobbling karts. Unfortunately, Mason Lobb came around turn 4 and flew through the air landing on top of Brandon Lobb's kart and scooting off before coming to a rest. The race was red flagged for safety and the drivers evaluated for any injuries. At last, Mason Lobb drove the 28 kart away to find his position in the line-up to start the last lap. All of the spectators broke out in an applause showing their relief that no one had major injuries. The 28L kart and 83 kart were removed from the track showing that those karts are out for the day.
The karts were lined up with Trey Whyte placed in the fifth position by scorer, Tonia. The Green and White flags were thrown to indicate the restart of the last lap, Lap 15.
Cressley accepted the Checkered Flag, winning the Purple Clone Feature. Ramsey came in second with Stronghart taking third place.
Congratulations to Feature Winner Brian Cressley #62.
(Writers note: Upon myself placing Trey Whyte #99W in fifth position for the restart of the final lap, it was brought to my attention that this may have been incorrect. As I struggled with my emotions that possibly was incorrect, an idea streaked across my mind. I remembered Cindy Furlow was at Stateline that day recording the races. Cindy posts the races on the Chautauqua Machine website's Blog. After reviewing the race video, I discovered that I made two mistakes. The first mistake was I placed Trey Whyte #99 in the fifth position for the restart. He should have been in fourth restart position. Secondly, I stated before the beginning of the last lap, Trey Whyte was lapped. This was incorrect as he was not lapped. I am extending an apology to Trey Whyte #99 and his fans for my errors. Thank you.)