Chase Burda Gets Second Straight Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Series Feature Win
Salem, Indiana (July 14, 2019): Chase Burda, from Columbiaville, Michigan, had to work a little harder than last weekend’s win at Baer Field Motorsports Park, but he worked his way from the back of the field after some contact with the leader and went on to get his second straight win with the Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models at the Indianapolis Speedrome on Sunday afternoon.
“I had to work a little harder for this one,” remarked Burda in victory lane. “The cars got a little damage, I was worried after the contact that it wouldn’t be right, but I took my time and worked my way to the front to get our second late model win. It feels great to get this win. I’m already looking forward to the next race!”
The Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models is a new racing series in 2019 to focus on a youth movement for short track stock car racing that will see 10 to 15-year-old drivers compete amongst themselves for both experience and recognition in full size late models with an economical drive train and suspension alternatives. Saturday’s race was the third of eight scheduled events for the series in 2019.
The Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models teams participated in two practice sessions on Sunday, Burda was the fastest in the first practice session and the second session, which was also their group qualifying. Burda claimed his third straight MPM Marketing Fast Qualifier Award. From there the first of two heat races rolled off as the drivers were participating in their first ever races for CRA at the Indianapolis Speedrome. Burda got the win in the first heat, he now has three heat wins on the season. 11-year-old Dawson Knaul got the early lead and pulled away to get the win in the second heat race, it was his first heat race victory with the series.
Charlie Keeven got the early lead in the 25 lap feature from his pole starting position after the three car inverted start, leading his first ever series feature lap before contact from Burda spun both cars giving the lead to Birch Run Speedway event winner Luke Wilhelm. Wilhelm led to lap 10 before being passed by his younger brother Zach Wilhelm, who got to lead his first ever series feature laps. Burda quickly closed on Zach Wilhelm, and patiently waited for an opening, which he got on lap 17 to get by and take the lead for good.
Zach Wilhelm finished in second and picked up the AR Bodies Cool Move of the Race for his pass of his brother to get the lead. Luke Wilhelm finished in third place. Katelyn Hettinger finished in fourth place with Keeven in fifth place.
The next Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models event be a return visit to Baer Field Motorsports Park on Saturday, July 27th. More information on the Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models is available at www.cra-racing.com.
