Kearby Claims First Place at Mid-Ohio
Lexington, OH – After a dramatic race one of the Atlantic Championship Series at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Conner Kearby took first place after having the lead early on in the race, falling back, and then fighting for his position in the closing stages. Gaston Kearby took a second place finish and Connor Burke came in third for the first of two races this weekend.
Although the race looked like it was going to quickly turn into the Conner Kearby and Keith Grant show, misfortune struck for the two points leaders at around the mid point of the race. The No. 40 pole sitter had to pull off the track after the two made contact while battling for the lead, and Grant ultimately retired from the race. The incident left Kearby at an undesirable distance behind his father G. Kearby. C. Kearby wasn’t phased however, chasing down and passing his father from 10 seconds back as the race drew to a quick close.
"Keith and I were going at it completely, we went over six and he got on the inside, we both got on the gas. He got a little loose; we tapped and went into the grass. Then it was a race out of the grass. I saw him go over and park, not sure what happened. I knew (my father) wasn't going to let up at all, even if I am his son. Tonis (Kasemets, driver coach) was on my butt on the radio trying to get me up there to beat him too,” said C. Kearby.
Second place finisher G. Kearby was in the lead for several laps after the incident between C. Kearby and Grant. Despite his efforts however, his son was pacing him every lap and made a pass during the closing laps of the race. G. Kearby’s second place finish overall also gave him a first place finish in the Atlantic Challenge class.
"It was sure fun. Keith Grant and Conner did a little Sprint Car thing through the grass, but I didn't do any better, I was sliding all over the place today,” said G. Kearby.
There wasn’t one buy two father and son duos in the spotlight for round seven of the series. In third place was Burke, who finished over his father John Burke.
"It was a big surprise to me, had no idea where I was in the field. A big thanks to Company Motorsports, it's been a good weekend so far, I hope we can do it again tomorrow,” said C. Burke.
J. Burke took fourth overall and also placed second in the Atlantic Challenge division. In third for the Atlantic Challenge was Dudley Fleck.
Further back in the field were fellow Challenge competitors Bob Corliss and Lewis Cooper Jr.
Despite strong practice times and a fourth place qualifying position, Comprent driver Rich Zober never made it to the grid for race one.
Full results for race can be found at www.AtlanticChampionshipSeries.com under the result tab.
Race two of the Atlantic Championship Series will be held on Sunday July 5.
