Kyle Hutchinson Goes 2 for 2 in Week 2 at the Track at Hillside
Holland, NY May 26, 2018 – Kyle Hutchinson proved his opening day win at Hillside Speedway was no fluke. On a gorgeous night in the Holland hills Kyle “Hutch” Hutchinson proved, not only can he defend the previous weeks win, he can do so coming from deep in the field. Hutch and his fellow Jerry Gradl NYPA Midgets should be proud of the show they put on for the fans as they arguably put on one of the best shows of the night.
In the first heat the 1 of Dave Wollaber started towards the back of the field and quickly made his way to the second position. After a late race caution bunched up the field Wollaber was able to get by the 90 of A.J. Hessler and get the heat win. Kyle Hutchinson showed early on that he was there to defend his week one win by taking the checkers in heat 2.
When the green flag dropped for the 25 lap feature, pole sitter AJ Hessler quickly jumped to the lead with the 6 of Erik Musto in tow. On lap one we saw our first caution as the 71 of Tony Patrea found himself in the outside retaining wall in turn 1.
During the caution, the 88 of Kyle Hutchinson was stopped by officials in the first turn. After a precautionary trip to the pits to check for a fuel leak the 88 returned to the field and attempted to regain his place in 3rd position based on the understanding that it was not his car leaking the fuel. During our post race conversation, Hutch stated, “They told me to pull off, so when I came back out I figured I should be able to take my spot back at the front.” The NYPA rules state that any driver who exits the track to the pit area must take a position at the back of the field upon re-entry.
On the restart, A.J. Hessler and Dave Wollaber lead the field, Wollaber got a good start and was able to take the lead from Hessler. Meanwhile, Hutchinson starting 15th found himself in 2nd after only 10 laps. Racing on the edge on his way to the front had taken its toll on his rear tires as he continued to push hard to chase down Wollaber who was approaching lap traffic. A spin in turn 3 would bring out the final caution of the race. On the restart, Hutchinson would get the drop on Wollaber going into turn 1. Wollaber gave chase, but to no avail as the 88 was able to hold him off for the victory.
Spirits were high in victory lane as Hutch did his post-race cage stand and received his accolades from the crowd, thanked his supporters and sponsors, Casey’s Truck Salvage, John Casey, and Wayne Turnbull.
After the race, we spoke to NYPA President and former competitor Charlie DiRosa. “It was great to see this group of guys put on such a good show… things are looking good for 2018. Guys are really starting to get things figured out, and every week they are getting more and more competitive. It’s what the sport needs, we need to get a buzz going in the stands, we need to get these guys excited to be out there, and nothing does that like racing side by side and putting on a good show for the fans.”
Join us for round 3 of Jerry Gradl Motors NYPA Midget action as we venture west to the progressive banks of the 3/8 mile Lake Erie Speedway for the Lake Erie 75 featuring ROC Modifieds presented by Jim Moss Builders, ROC Late Models, U.S. Legend Cars, and Midwest Compact Touring Series plus Fireworks.
About NYPA Midgets: The Jerry Gradl Motors NYPA Midget, series sanctions three-quarter midget racing in western New York and Pennsylvania. TQ midgets are known for high stakes, wheel to wheel, short track racing action and have thrilled crowds across the country for over fifty years. The NYPA Midget Association carries on that tradition of excitement at tracks like The Track at Hillside (formerly Holland Speedway), Lake Erie Speedway and Lancaster National Speedway. Check the NYPA Midget Association website www.NYPAMidgets.com for the schedule, points, and news. Find us on Facebook for up to date event information, photos, and more. Be sure to like and share with your friends.
About Jerry Gradl Motors: Since 1958 Jerry Gradl Motors has provided exceptional sales and professional service to western New York motorists. Half of their customers are referrals or repeats, which means they provide outstanding customer service. The Gradl name is a staple in WNY motorsports and will be for years to come. Jerry Gradl Motors has two locations to choose from, one at 711 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda NY and the other located at 6704 Transit Rd. Williamsville.
Final Results:
#1 – 88 Kyle Hutchinson
#2 – 1 Dave Wollaber
#3 – 6 Erik Musto
#4 – 90 AJ Hessler
# 5 – 2 Vinnie Christiano
#6 – 44 Tim Nies
#7 – 42 Chad Haywood
#8 – 5 Jim Fleischman
#9 – 14 Kevin Wilson
#10 – 05 Jamie Pew
#11 – 02 Patrick Smith
#12 – 4 Jim Musto
#13 – 8 Jerry Toms
#14 – 29 Cameron Ruggerio
#15 – 71 Tony Patrea
#16 – 19 Jeremy Conklin
Sources: Eric Crossan/NYPA Midget Association PR