Billy Riddle Scores Two Victories; Mike Riddle Jr., Nick Warner and Travis Burge Also Grab Wins

By Tom Hammond

Click to View Results - Photo Gallery

If your last name was Riddle, you had a good chance of earning a feature victory at Anderson Speedway on Friday, August 26, during the opening night of the Burkhart Advertising Signs of Winning Weekend. Billy Riddle grabbed the winning hardware in the Insight ThunderCar Oval and Figure 8 features with Mike Riddle Jr. capturing the Limited Late Model main event. Nick Warner won the Chappy’s Rent to Own Front Wheel Drive Oval feature with Travis Burge claiming the Figure 8 during the MAX/WLBC Friday Night Summer Series.

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good and that theory was true for Mike Riddle Jr. in the 30-lap Limited Late Model feature. The race began with his teammate Jon Conklin pacing the opening eight circuits before he dropped from the lead with mechanical problems. That placed Jason Fullen in the top spot followed by Todd Marsh, Wes Russell Jr. and Mike Riddle Jr.

As Fullen and Marsh battled fiercely for the victory, Marsh’s bid for a third consecutive victory went away on the 16th circuit when dropped out of contention. That advanced Russell to the runner-up position and he began to battle Fullen for the win. On lap 22, Russell and Fullen made contact, regulating both drivers to the rear of the field. Riddle inherited the lead and scored the win over Fullen, Russell, Marsh and Conklin.

Russell posted the best qualifying time with an official clocking of 13.129 seconds. Mike Riddle Jr. won the 10-lap heat race over Conklin and Fullen.

Billy Riddle began his winning night with taking the checkered flag in the Insight ThunderCar Figure 8. William Coffman darted into the top spot at the drop of the green flag, pacing the opening three circuits. On the fourth go-around, Riddle charged to the first spot and never looked back. Only a near collision with David Short in the crossover would slow down Riddle en route to his trip to the Texas Roadhouse Winner’s Circle.

At the checkers, Riddle was followed by Coffman, Josh Myers, Terry Malone Jr. and David Short.

The second victory for Billy Riddle took place in the 20-lap Insight ThunderCar Oval main event. Colin Ratliff drove to the first position at the start, leading the opening 14 circuits. Riddle charged through the pack, utilizing the high grove around the world’s fastest quarter-mile oval. After starting 14th, Riddle advanced to second by the 10th circuit. He completed the race-winning pass with five laps remaining. At the finish, Riddle was chased by Ratliff, Brandon Phillips, William Coffman and Josh Myers.

Jim Brown was the top qualifier with an official clocking of 15.497 seconds. William Coffman grabbed top honors in the first heat race with David Short visiting the Texas Roadhouse in the second heat.

In Chappy’s Rent to Own Front Wheel Drive Oval action, Nick Warner led the final lap to earn his fourth victory of the season. Jeff Wright led the opening 14 circuits. He attempted to hold off a hard-charging Dustin Burge on the final lap heading into turn 3. The two tangled, advancing third running Nick Warner to first spot. Kevin Harmon placed second with Travis Erhart, Travis Burge and Kreigh Leever completing the top five.

Brad Stevens produced the best qualifying lap an official time of 16. 104 seconds. David Baker and Katie Beaver grabbed wins during heat race action.

For the second consecutive week, Travis Burge won the Chappy’s Rent to Own Front Wheel Drive Figure 8 feature. Allen Wagner led from the start until Burge completed the race-winning pas n the fifth circuit. Burge was followed by Wagner, Jerry Baker, Nick Warner and Randy Owen.

On Saturday, August 27, The Star Press Saturday Night Series showcases the Benson Motorcycles Night of Thrills. Featured events include School Bus Figure 8’s, Roll Over Contest, Spectator races along with appearances from the Terry’s RV Sales & Service Street Stocks and Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8’s.

For additional information contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.