Praysner takes Laird late model feature

Jason Praysner is proving that he will be an instant hit in the late model division after taking a pair of checkered flags at Laird International Raceway on Sunday night.

The special Sunday show was held as a make-up after the first three weeks of the season were rained out.

In a fierce battle between Praysner, Michael Gold and Robert Hiiemaa down the final 12 laps in the 25-lap feature event, Praysner held off the chargers and edged Gold at the finish line to claim his first late model feature win. Hiiemaa finished third.

The victory followed another win by Praysner in the second heat when the defending factory stock champion again edged Gold at the finish line.

In the first heat, Gold capped an exciting race by edging Rod Bolduc Jr. by a nose for the win. Bolduc captured the four car dash over Hiiemaa, Gold and Praysner.

George Wilson was feverishly working to get his new car in order and barely arrived in time at the track to compete. Wilson unveiled his new ride but was not in contention as adjustments will continue to be made to get his car in top condition.

In the factory stock division, Bar River's Steve Kent followed his opening night sweep with another win the feature event.

David Slingsby was running hard all night but was towed pit side with car problems with three laps remaining in the feature after running side-by-side with Kent for several laps and John Fragali running close behind.

Fragali won the opening heat while Slingsby followed with a win in the second heat.

Jim Gort Jr. from Sugar Island, Michigan captured all three races in the Laird open-wheeled modified division.

In the stock fours, Scott Syrette took the win in the feature and second heat while Dave King won the opening heat.

No pure stock races were held because of a lack of cars able to race but will return for the next show.

Action continues on Thursday with qualifying at 6 p.m. and the races to follow at 7 p.m.

To visit the LIR website, click here.

PHOTO: John Fragali (#13) leads David Slingsby (#14) in factory stock action.