Hirthler wins modified feature at Grandview

Kevin Hirthler became the first repeat winner in the 358 modified division this season at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville.

Hirthler defeated Duane Howard by less than a car length in the 30-lap feature Saturday night to earn his second victory of the month after going nearly three years without a victory at Grandview.

Kenny Bock won the 25-lap sportsman feature and Eric Jennings won the 25-lap winged super sportsman race.

In the modified feature, Hirthler grabbed the early lead from Kenny Gilmore and opened daylight, leaving Gilmore, Ron Haring Jr. and Brett Kressley in a three-way battle for second.

Hirthler was able to withstand a restart on the 23rd lap and keep Howard at bay the rest of the way en route to his 14th career win at Grandview.

Howard was followed by Mike Gular, Brett Kressley and Rick Laubach. Rounding out the top 10 were Ryan Grim, Jeff Strunk,

Craig Von Dohren, Briggs Danner and Doug Manmiller.

Bock took the lead in the sportsman race when rookie Dakota Kohler went too high and hit the fourth turn wall with two laps remaining. Kohler was able to continue, but fell to third as Jesse Leiby scooted underneath for second.

Bock was able to withstand

Leiby’s moves to score his first career victory.

Kohler finished third, followed by Mark Kemmerer, Derrick Smith, Brad Arnold, Chris Esposito, Nate Brinker, John McGovern and Brian Hirthler.

In the winged super sportsman feature, Jennings ducked underneath leader Joe Biasi on the 21st lap and held off Biasi for the win.

Steve Wilbur took third followed by Cliff Brian and Brett Perigo.