4/29/2024
Port Royal Speedway
Ricky Thornton Jr Redeems Himself at Port Royal Speedway, Ryan Zook Takes Home $2,000
Ricky Thornton Jr. a year ago at Port Royal Speedway was charging through the field before issues took him out. In 2024, he would lead every lap of the Battle in the Borough A-main event with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to go to victory lane and pocket $10,000.
Thornton would start on the pole, but wouldn't cruise to victory as he would face repeated challenges from Mike Marlar in the 157.
Marlar, who started on the outside of the front row, would make a hold off Jimmy Owens who made an attempted pass on the opening lap and would begin to reel in the 20RT.
By lap 8, the 157 would start to dive underneath Thornton to battle for the top spot, but running the top side of the speedway would payoff for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series point leader while he closed on lap traffic.
A caution with 24 laps remaining caused by Brandon Sheppard, would give Marlar the chance to rundown the leader. After a lap under green, the 157 would charge down the 20RT out of turn 4, but a 2nd caution caused by Cory Lawler but slow the pace and reset the field.
The battle for the lead would continue with under 10 to go until a caution from Gregg Saterlee would slow the pace and allow Ricky Thornton the clean air needed to take home the $10,000 payday as a part of the Battle in the Borough at Port Royal Speedway.
"I have to thank whoever caused that yellow," said Thornton in victory lane referring to the caution with 24 laps remaining, "he got by me and I think he would've beat me. It started getting treacherous around the top there but I figured if you're going to wind, you have to be up there."
Mike Marlar would hold on to finish in 2nd and Garrett Alberson would round out the podium. Rick Eckert would be the hard charger for the A-main gaining 15 spots and finish in 11th.
In Zimmerman Truck Repair limited late model competition, Ryan Zook would start on the front row and lead all 25 laps to take the $2,000 winner's share home.
Matt Parks would charge from the 7th starting spot to finish in 2nd and Jaxton Garman would hold on for 3rd.
Port Royal Speedway will be back in competition on May 4th with Weikert Livestock 410 sprint cars, Selinsgrove Ford super late models and Penns Valley Meat Market PA Sprint Series 305 sprint cars.
Saturday May 4th will also be Ladies Night at The Speed Palace meaning all women will only be charged $10 for admission to racing activities.
For more information regarding upcoming events at Port Royal Speedway, visit the website at www.portroyalspeedway.com or follow along on social media at Port Royal Speedway Trackside Media on Facebook or @PortRoyalSpdway on Twitter/X.
Photo Credit: Kyle McFadden
Article Credit: Brad Strawser
Submitted By: Brad Strawser
