Arnold wins Firecracker 40

Kevin Hirthler wins the modified feature

Brad Arnold edged Brian Hirthler Saturday night at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville in a wild finish to the Firecracker 40-lap sportsman feature.

Arnold and Hirthler were rubbing wheels and trading paint as they raced to the checkered flag with Arnold coming away with the $2,000 payday for the victory.

But it wasn’t a total loss for the Hirthler family. Kevin Hirthler, Brian’s brother, ended more than a three-year victory drought by taking the 30-lap modified feature by a comfortable margin over runner-up Jared Umbenhauer.

It was Kevin Hirthler’s first win at Grandview since April 8, 2017,

Arnold used a 21st-lap restart to earn his first lead in the sportsman race. He built a sizable lead until pole-sitter and early leader Decker Swinehart flipped his car to bring out a red flag.

Ryan Beltz briefly took the lead after that restart but Arnold got past him quickly.

Brian Hirthler moved into second on a 38th-lap restart and challenged Arnold at the finish but couldn’t get past him as Arnold earned his sixth career win.

Beltz was third followed by Mark Kemmerer and Kyle Lilick. Rounding out the top 10 were Jimmy Leiby, Kyle

Smith, Jack Butler, Ryan Higgs and Brad Brightbill.

Kevin Hirthler took the lead of the modified

race after a first-lap accident and led the rest of the way for his 13th career win.

Umbenhauer held off

Doug Manmiller for third followed by Tim Buckwalter and Craig Von Dohren. Rounding out the top 10 were

Craig Whitmoyer, Duane Howard, Brett Kressley, Ryan Grim and Louden Reimert.