Jimmy Blewett made his first start of the year at Wall Stadium Speedway on Sept. 17 a successful one as he led from start to finish to win the 76-lap John Blewett Memorial for Modified stock cars.
Blewett, a Howell resident, won the race, which was in memory of his brother who died in a Connecticut racing accident four years ago, in a car that was painted the same as the first car that supporter Don Ling owned.
During the evening, Ling was honored for his contributions to the sport.
After suffering numerous mechanical problems early in the evening, Blewett posted the seventh-fastest time during time trials before picking the second starting spot in a blind draw.
Blewett battled fellow front-row starter Kevin Flockhart of Jackson in the early going until division points leader Anthony Sesely of Matawan arrived in second place from a fifth starting spot. Simply put, from lap eight on, Sesely tried every possible path to race into the lead, only to have Blewett slam the door time after time.
When the checkered flag waved, Sesely was right on Blewett’s rear bumper. Shaun Carrig of Little Falls, Lafayette’s Roger Coss and Flockhart completed the top five.
“It has been a long time since I’ve won a race, so this feels really good,” said Blewett, who has concentrated on dirt track racing this season. “I want to thank [car owners] Scott Matarasso and Jeff Willett for letting me do this. I also have to thank my grandfather and father for all their support with our racing.”
Wall Stadium will wrap up the Saturday night regular season on Sept. 24.