HAMPTON, VA :: Late Model race action resumed back at Langley Speedway featuring Twin 75 lap events on the .395 mile oval. Sixteen Late Models were on hand with the strong core of Langley regulars and a few making their first appearances in the 2014 season. Coming into the night’s race features was series point’s leader Greg Edwards who had just a slim four point lead over Matt Waltz. Though both drivers have clearly identified themselves as the front runners for the 2014 championship, a host of others have been making gains as of late and winning was the only thing on they’re minds. Drivers such as Casey Wyatt, Brenden Queen and Mark Wertz all have been showing muscle and though he’ll admit that they have been off, Nick Smith can win anytime in this division.
Late Model action began with qualifying time trials as Nick Smith boasts the fast lap of the day at 15.914 seconds or 89.355 mph. Joining him on the front row was Matt Waltz, in the second row was Greg Edwards along with Brandon Gdovic who was doing double duty racing his Late Model and Modified on the night. Completing the grids five best, Brenden Queen continues to impress with another fine qualifying effort. Other notables were rookie driver Connor Hall in sixth and first time out in the Late Model division, Spencer Saunders would qualify ninth. Action began before the race went green as Greg Edwards turned onto pit road with reported ignition issues and as a result, Edwards would start in the rear of the field.
The green flag waved and before the first lap could be completed, Bruce Livingston went around causing a complete restart to the race. Green flag once again and as Nick Smith secured the lead after a brief battle with Waltz, the race went back under caution with Terry Carroll and Duane Shreeves with major damage.
Lap one restart and Nick Smith once again led the field into one securing the spot. On lap 10, there would be a change in the lead as Matt Waltz went by. On the move as well was Greg Edwards who was showing fifth by this time. Several laps later, the hot rod of Greg Edwards car had gone by Smith at the halfway point passing Queen and Wyatt in this green flag run. With sights set on the leader, lap 47 has twist. Edwards was going for the lead when he and Waltz make contact with Edwards going around bringing out the caution.
Green flag once again and at the rear of the field was Edwards once again. Waltz continued to show the way but in just a few short laps, here came Edwards back in the top five. A caution on the track set up a side-by-side battle for the lead as Edwards choose the high side on this next restart. After the ensuing restart was waved off, the race was finally back to green and from the outside line; the race had a new leader in Greg Edwards. Caution waved for the final time when Mark Wertz went around giving Waltz, Queen and Smith one last shot. But Edwards was much too much in this one and completed the final laps unchallenged en route to his fifth victory of the season. Nick Smith, Matt Waltz, Brenden Queen and Brandon Gdovic rounded out the top five.
Second race feature started like the first one ended with Greg Edwards on pole after a brilliant performance, overcoming two restarts from the rear of the field. Green flag was in the air and Edwards easily secures the point leaving Waltz and Smith to battle for second. After that brief battle, Waltz would prevail and set his sights on the leader who already established a sizable lead. Also at this point a great battle for fourth was going on as Brandon Gdovic and Brenden Queen were trying to settle. Back up towards the front, Smith had recaptured the two spot on the grid and most notably, Edwards had checked out and driving away. Soon after, the race’s first caution came as Justin Carroll appeared to be involved.
Back to the green, Waltz chose the outside once again and makes the pass on Edwards for the lead. Seemingly unimpressed, Edwards quickly regrouped making several charges at Waltz before finally backing off and settling into second. At this point, clearly Edwards had used up the right rear on his ride while Waltz’s adjustments proved to be better. Further back, Gdovic was having another good run as was Smith and Queen making up the races best in the grid. But in desperate need of a late race caution that never came was Greg Edwards. Up front and cruising away was Waltz who continued to use a much higher line proving theirs grip up towards second groove. Lap 75 went up on the board and claiming win number six of the year, Matt Waltz wins. Edwards crossed in second, Gdovic third, Smith fourth and Queen completed the top five. Race action picks back up again on July 12th which will be the last race weekend before the Hampton Heat 200.
