After starting from the second position, Ben Rhodes worked his way to the lead early in the Legends Young Lions division feature Friday, May 13th, at Concord Speedway (NC), looking to add to his victory count at the track, but contact from another competitor on the last lap spun Rhodes out, robbing him of the win.
After getting to the lead, Rhodes drove away from the competition until a caution flag bunched up the field. Multiple yellows flew during the race, bunching up the field, but after every restart, Rhodes was able to hold the lead, looking towards another win.
A late-caution flew, setting up a few-lap dash to the checkered flag. Taking the white flag and leading through turns one and two, Rhodes looked well on his way to another win, but another competitor rammed Rhodes in turn three, spinning him out of the lead. Track officials deemed the move inappropriate by the other competitor, penalizing him to the last car on the lead lap, however the damage was done as Rhodes didn’t get to celebrate the victory.
“Everyone there, including John Haggan (Executive Competition Director of INEX, the sanctioning body for Legends Car racing) saw what happened,” said Rhodes. “The same driver has driven through us and others at multiple events this year, which is unfortunate for the sport of Legends Car racing. All we can do is focus on what we do best and hope that the sanctioning body steps up and does something before someone gets hurt.
“We had a great car this weekend. I want to thank Dennis, Tony and everyone that supports our efforts at the race track. I am disappointed I couldn’t celebrate their hard work by bringing home the winner’s trophy they deserve, but there is always the next race.”
A video of the race can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2s1zOKrP0I