By Todd Heintzelman
It’s one thing to win a sprint car feature at Williams Grove Speedway. It’s another when you win a sprint car feature by passing Brian Montieth and Daryn Pittman.
That’s exactly what Alan Krimes did on Friday night as he earned his first win of the season by passing two of the best in the business. The driver from Denver earned $3,600 in a car owned by his father, Larry.
“The car starting getting better and better when I pulled the wing back a little bit,” said Krimes. “Those are two of the best cars, not only in Pennsylvania, but in the whole country. It feels pretty good to pass them.”
Davey Sammons started on the pole and drove into the early race lead. Pittman started third and drove by Curt Michael and into the runner-up spot.
Pittman shot under Sammons in turn three and was the new leader as they raced off turn four and completed the second lap.
The caution flag flew on lap two when Danny Dietrich slowed to a stop on the frontstretch.
Michael went after Sammons on the restart and the drivers traded the runner-up spot in turn four as Krimes, who started sixth, moved into the picture.
The red flag was displayed on lap three for a multi-car crash on the backstretch. Mark Smith and Fred Rahmer made contact and Smith’s car became disabled.
As cars scattered to avoid Smith, Adam Wilt flipped in the accident, which also included two-time Grove winner Greg Hodnett, Frank Cozze, Ryan Smith and Lance Dewease. No injuries were reported.
Pittman’s lead increased following the restart. Brian Montieth was charging forward from his 11th starting spot and pressured Rahmer for fifth. Doug Esh and Montieth passed Krimes, but as they battled for third, Krimes used the low line to drive back by both of them.
“I wasn’t very good at the beginning,” said Krimes. “Doug and Brian got by me and I thought we were in trouble.”
Montieth would get back by Krimes and then they both passed Michael. Pittman lead’s was shrinking with seven laps to go as both Montieth and Krimes closed.
As Pittman and Montieth pounded the cushion, it was Krimes driving his family-owned car working the inside line.
Krimes pressured Montieth and used the inside line to get by on lap 20. Krimes got under Pittman off turn four and was the new leader on lap 21.
Steve Buckwalter brought out the caution flag with three laps to go.
Michael got into Montieth as they entered turn one on the restart. They slid across the track and collected Esh and Cory Haas bringing out the red flag.
Krimes would lead the final three laps to score the win over Pittman, Rahmer, Rick Lafferty and Logan Schuchart. Brian Leppo, Aaron Ott, Frank Cozze, Dewease and Brent Marks completed the top 10.
The sprint heats were won by Sammons, Krimes and Michael. Cozze won the consolation.