Racing News

 NEW YOUNG LIONS DIVISION PRODUCES WIN FOR PRESNELL IN PHOTO FINISH

 

Over the years in the Summer Shootout, some 50 drivers attempted to make the Legends Semi-Pro feature race. With half of the drivers going home, it left many drivers wondering if it was worth it to make the trip to the Summer Shootout.

The answer was the formation of the Young Lions division, which split the Semi-Pro division into two groups. Inexperienced drivers from 12 to 16 years old could opt to race in the Young Lions division, leaving the more experienced drivers in Semi-Pro. While the addition of the new division added to the time crunch during the Summer Shootout, it allowed 19 drivers to take the green flag that could have gone home the year before. Dylan Presnell, one of those 19 drivers, was probably the happiest of the group as he crossed the finish line first in a photo finish ahead of Trevor Farbo.
“This is my fifth race in my Legends car,” said Presnell. “I stayed out of trouble. There were a bunch of wrecks. I got up there to second and I got the guy on the last lap.”

Andrew Lloyd and Tyler Millwood started on the front row of the Young Lions race with Presnell buried in the pack of cars. While the leaders battled it out up front, Presnell methodically moved his way towards the front.

The front was not the place to be early on in the race, as drivers went from the lead to the back after being involved in racing incidents, including Lloyd and Ryan Blaney. When it all shook out, Presnell led Farbo over the final laps as the two battled hard for the top spot. Farbo got to the bumper of Presnell and on the last lap Farbo made a move coming off the final turn for the win. Farbo came up just short in the closest finish for the Legends and Bandolero divisions Tuesday night.

“We got wrecked on the first lap going into the first corner and went through the barrels,” said Farbo. “They reset the field to where we all started. I battled back to second and tried to pass for first on the last lap, but couldn’t quite get by him. We had a photo finish by a few inches.

“I wanted to win really bad. I thought we had it because we were passing for first but I guess they shortened the race so we couldn’t quite make it past in time. We would have gotten him that next corner. But I am pretty happy with the second place. It is good for the points.”

Presnell used the skill he learned in Quarter Midgets and Bandoleros to hold onto the lead and take his first Legends win.

“He (Farbo) got me loose coming through the last turn and I thought he had me,” said Presnell. “I just got back on the gas sooner than I usually do I just beat him back to the finish line.

“We will be here for all of the races. We want the championship but it is really experience we are after. This is my first time running the Legends car so all this competition will give me a whole lot of experience.”