Story By: TOM SKIBINSKI / LAND OF LEGENDS RACEWAY – CANANDAIGUA, NY – Stock car racing during the 180th Annual Ontario County Fair turned into another Saturday success story for Land Of Legends Raceway regulars Jimmy Grant and Tyler Burnell.
Only the latest chapters were written Wednesday with the most recent wins for both past track point champions coming in the twin 50-lap “Summer Smash” Enduro events presented by Eldredge & Sons Scrap Recycling that rewarded the newest masters of the midway with $1,000 first-place prizes.
Recognized weekly at the speedway sporting the familiar purple no. 57jr. Hobby Stock designed by his father Frank Jr., Burnell captured the opening 25-mile non-stop main steering the renumbered 32jr. 6-Cylinder entry while Street Stock star Grant traded in his black #36 Chevy Camaro for a silver no. 63 4-Cylinder compact ride in the nightcap.
With 26 cars registered, 24 took the initial green flag to kick off the 6-Cylinder race that provided the #14 of Tim Matuszak an advantage in the early stages. Kyler Lloyd, son of current Canandaigua Hobby competitor Brian Lloyd, moved out front until the front end broke on his car to move Burnell to the point on lap 35. From there the 2020 LOLR Hobby points king from Waterloo pulled away with runner-up #22 Jamie Omvig collecting $300 and 3rd-place finisher #12 Mason Phillips, traveling the longest distance from his Fort Covington, NY home, pocketing $200.
Bolstered by the inclusion of three lady racers, Brin DePuy, Heather Auble-Gray and Amber Lang, 36 of the 40 cars signed up ventured trackside for the 4-Cylinder finale. Jamie Eldredge Jr led early until he ran square into the back of a stopped car, opening the door for Brandon Palmisano to drive through on lap 11.
Making up a lap and a half that was lost early on, 2021 LOLR Street Stock season champion and current points leader Grant rallied to steal away the lead from Palmisano with seven to go and cruise home under the checkers as the only car completing the entire distance. No. 3 Palmisano held on for second to earn $300 while #15 Shawn Tidd secured the show position good enough for a $200 payday.
Darien NY invaders Chris Skobjak and girlfriend Amber Lang were among the most creative from the final roster of over 60 drivers entered, with their themed team cars decorated to look like Bowser and Princess Peach from Mario Karts.