SWAN STRIKES IN PREVIEW AT ELKO

Topics:  James Swan

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
September 22, 2012

James Swan flexed his muscle once again on Friday night at Elko Speedway. Swan set fast time and worked the outside line to take the win in the Thunderstruck Preview Feature.

Claire Decker took an early lead from her sister Paige in the 30-lap event. After two early cautions the field settled into single file with Claire Decker pacing Ryan Gutknecht and Travis Rodewald. As the top three began to pull away, Swan jumped first to the bottom to crack the top five by moving past Brad Keith then worked the outside line.

Gutknecht swiped the lead with less than ten laps remaining from Decker, but could not break away enough from the field when Decker and Rodewald went toe to toe for the runner up spot. As they battled Swan waited on the outside. After Decker held off Rodewald, Swan slid to the outside of Rodewald, then Decker.

With just five laps remaining Swan jumped to the outside of Gutknecht and edged him for the top spot on lap 25. Swan held on to win the Preview with Gutknecht second, Decker third, Lyle Nowak fourth and Jeremy Spoonmore fifth.

The event awarded semi-feature points with full points on the line tomorrow. Spoonmore stretched his lead to 12 over Nowak and Swan jumped past Brad Keith for fifth. He now sits 145 out of the top spot.

Mid-American will run a 40-lap feature tomorrow. Racing begins at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.elkospeedway.com