9/26/2017
NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour
Purvis Ends Season on a High Note; Martin Crowned Champion
The NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour found itself just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Raceway for the finale of the 2017 Kickin’ Asphalt Tour. It was an unusually warm fall weekend, making for challenging conditions for both man and machine, with many cars succumbing to overheating issues throughout the duration of the weekend.
The event began with Fort Wayne, Indiana veteran Scott Coe leading the field down to chief starter Adam Matthews' green flag. Coe would hold the point for a pair of laps, but an early caution would open the door for Batavia, Ohio’s Danny Jackson to skirt past and take the lead on lap three. Jackson would look to be holding strong up front before another caution closed up the field.
Jeff Lane of Knightstown, Indiana snagged the lead away from Jackson on the restart. This would open the door to Buckeye state driver Kyle Purvis to also work his way frontward. Purvis and Lane would have a spirited battle around the .686 mile Lucas Oil Raceway, exchanging the lead back and forth several times before.
The two drivers would put on a clinic, racing very hard and clean as they sorted out who would close the season with a victory. Purvis would make the final pass for the top spot on lap 26, as he went on to pick up his first win of 2017. Lane would have to settle for the runner up position.
Jonathan Martin of Fort Wayne, Indiana finished in the third position and was able to clinch the 2017 NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour Championship. Greg Fullarton of Howell, Michigan was fourth and Danny Jackson rebounded to complete the top five.
Jamie Sites of Tipp City, Ohio was forced to exit the event early after an overheating issue, but was still crowned Turn One High Performance Steering Systems Rookie of the Year.
Article Credit: NSTA Racing Staff
Submitted By: John Robbins
