(Image Credit: Kenny Shaw)
Bryan Hulbert – WHEATLAND, Mo. (September 24, 2019) Entering the weekend with a 148-point deficit, Blake Hahn put together a dream weekend with two victories in three nights to gain a 20-point advantage following the 9th annual Hockett/McMillin Memorial with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network.
Picking up the win in Thursday’s preliminary A-Feature, Hahn capped the weekend with the $10,000 score in Saturday’s Hockett/McMillin Memorial finale.
“Everything came together better than I could have ever hoped. I’ve always wanted to win at Lucas Oil Speedway. We’ve been close before and always has something get in the way, but to get two wins and be the champion of the Hockett/McMillin, It was a dream come true, and having my family, especially my Nan and Papa there, it made the win really special for me. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done to get me here. My Dad, and my Crew Chief, Dalton. He was spot on all weekend.” explained Blake.
Asked about having the point’s lead again, Blake replied, “Leading the points, it’s important to the overall picture, but we’re just focused on winning races and finishing well the rest of the season. The points will take care of themselves as long as we do our job.”
Battling with Josh Baughman for the win on Thursday night, Hahn was able to rebound from being passed twice by the No. 17.
“The track was interesting on Thursday. I didn’t realize the line moved down on three and four until Josh showed me the line, and when I tried to run down there, it missed it and let him get by before we had the restart and it was the opposite in one and two where I was able to get the lead back. Later in traffic, I just had to get to the bottom before he did, and it worked out where I was able to keep him from getting in front of me.”
Having to come through a B-Feature on Friday, Hahn spent the first half of the A-Feature struggling before the track finally came to the car. From 16th on Lap 15, Blake ended up working his way through the field to seventh.
“I was worried at the start of that feature. I knew I had to get moving or I’d knock myself out of being locked in for Saturday, but once the track loosened up a little bit, the car really started working. Restarts were a big help too where I was able to get two and three spots at a time.”
Earning the right of the front row, Blake was stalked for the first part of the race by Josh Baughman before the No. 17 saw his night cut short. Working into traffic, Hahn had to move around the track while Dylan Westbrook came charging after him. Hitting the slick through turn four on Lap 35, Hahn shot up the track and made contact with Westbrook; nearly taking both drivers out of contention as Westbrook went upside down.
“I thought I was going over when I hit Dylan. I just gunned the throttle and tried to keep the car upright. When I drove off, I was relieved, but I felt bad for getting into him. He was coming, and I never want to get into anyone and mess up their car. I just got into the slick at the bottom trying to get around a slower car, and the car just shot up the track.”
Back to green with Mark Smith giving chase, Blake was able to pull away for the win.
“I don’t think I took a breath the last five laps. I was worried about the car from the crash, and knowing I had Mark behind me on the restart, I knew if I slipped on time, it was his race to win. I’m not normally out of breath after a race, and I could hardly catch mine until I was out of the car.”
Weather permitting, the next event for Blake is the Fall Haul at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on September 27 and 28. Beyond that, Hahn is gearing up to defend his win at the COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tire at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark. on October 4 and 5.
The 2019 season is Blake Hahn’s 17th year of racing. Starting in Jr. Sprints at the Tulsa Shootout, Hahn has progressed through the ranks with over 90 victories across Micros, Midgets, and Sprint Cars. For continued updates on Blake Hahn Racing, along with his full 2019 lineup, log onto http://www.blakehahnracing.com.
2019 Season to Date:
Events: 48; Wins -8; Top 5 - 25; Top 10 – 31; Top 20 –40;
Coming Up:
September 27 at 34 Raceway (West Burlington, IA)
September 28 at 34 Raceway (West Burlington, IA)
Blake Hahn Racing Online Store:
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The Sponsors:
DriveWFX.com, Lucas Oil Products, CSR Garage, Sage Fruit, Co., Speedway Vending, Semi Crazy Truck Wash, JR1, Triple X Race Co., Engler, Smiley’s Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Southwest, Penske Shocks, Maxwell Industries, Best Graphics, Schoenfeld, Rod End Supply, Pizza Express of Oklahoma, and EFH.