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Sodeman Snags Mercer Raceway Park Sprint Victory

Jack Sodeman was the lucky driver of the night, picking up his first victory of the year in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car division from his 11th place starting position over Scott Priester, Rod George, Adam Kekich and Brent Matus.

“It’s better to be lucky than good,” Sodeman said.

Bob Felmlee and Brian Ellenberger dominated the race, with Felmlee taking the lead on the opening lap from the pole position over second place starter Kekich. Felmlee quickly pulled away from the field while Ellenberger, who started third, battled with Brent Matus. Ellenberger had moved into second by the tenth circuit, however, and lap traffic put him in position to challenge Felmlee for the lead.

A battle ensued between the drivers, with Felmlee coming across the line first until Ellenberger pulled a wicked slide job on lap 15 to take the lead. A lap 21 caution slowed the field down and gave Felmlee a chance to return the favor. Ellenberger held onto his lead on the restart, but Felmlee slid him coming out of turn four. The two racers were wheel-to-wheel with Ellenberger on the outside as the cars made contact on the front stretch, sending Ellenberger flipping into the wall and ending his night. Felmlee was cited for rough driving and sent to the rear of the field.

With the leaders eliminated, Priester and Sodeman were able to pick up where they left off. Priester took the lead on the restart, but Sodeman was able to get by him on the next lap and hold on for the win.

“I know we weren’t the fastest car,” Sodeman said. “Ellenberger and Felmlee had us covered there. Fortune just fell our way.”

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