Sicklerville, NJ (April 21, 2014) – On Sunday, April 20 at Bridgeport Speedway’s 60 Over Special, a very strong running Mike Barone was on pace to gain a very respectable third place finish during the 44-lap Race of Champions Modified feature. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure on the final circuit disrupted Barone’s impressive performance against a strong field of drivers.
After finishing second in the fourth qualifying event for the thirty-one Big Block Modifieds on hand, Barone picked the fourth starting spot in the redraw for the main event. After an opening lap incident marred the original start, the extra distance feature got underway. Quickly, Barone motored into second place behind eventual race winner Ryan Watt as a long stretch of green flag racing began. With ten laps completed, Watt and Barone were beginning to dice their way through lap traffic. By lap 26, Barone had been shuffled back to fourth place as Stewart Friesen and Duane Howard were able to pass him. A caution period with two circuits remaining erased Watt’s advantage over the field. During this caution, the third place running Howard retired to the pit area and Barone inherited third place. When racing resumed, Watt, Friesen and Barone were the top three runners. Just after the white flag appeared, Barone’s car began to handle poorly and slow in the middle of turns one and two. Due to his decelerating and disabled car in front the oncoming field, Barone’s #267 Big Block Modified was struck several times as his rivals tried valiantly to avoid hitting his Bicknell car. From the impact, Barone complained of some soreness to track officials. Barone was properly examined by the Bridgeport Speedway paramedic team and returned to his pit stall just after the race ended.
In viewing the damaged car after the race, the Barone racing team initially thought the failure may have been a broken axle tube. Later on, a Bridgeport Speedway employee found a broken rear torsion bar in turn two and returned it to the Barone team. “We will look at the damage on Monday,” said a dejected Barone, who was credited with a sixteenth place finish. The team is hoping to make the needed repairs during the upcoming week and be back in action at Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, April 26.
With the 2014 season just underway, Mike Barone Racing is looking for marketing partnerships and has several packages available designed to fit any budget. For additional information on these opportunities, interested parties should contact Mike Wisniewski from Wiz Motorsports Communications at mikewiz1962@yahoo.com.
Wiz Motorsports Communications can deliver customized and professional solutions for racers and race tracks. To discuss your particular need, contact Wiz Motorsports Communications at mikewiz1962@yahoo.com.
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