Photo Credit: Sarah Crabill/Getty Images
Harrison Burton was able to secure his second straight victory and third victory of the season at Memphis International Raceway on Saturday. Burton was fastest in the sole practice held at Memphis and qualified third. Chase Purdy and Todd Gilliland both we’re also in contention for the victory but just after halfway both drivers encountered problems which would end both drivers’ chances to win.
“We weren’t the best car,” Burton said. “But that’s what we’re about: we never quit. When we’re in position and the opportunity falls to us, we end up in Victory Lane. That’s part a little due to good fortune but also due to a lot of hard work and us being in the right position at the right time to capitalize when other guys’ days go wrong.”
After starting third, Burton remained there during the first half of the race. but as the laps began winding down, his car came to life. He passed Gilliland with just 19 laps to go to grab the lead. Purdy, who started on pole and led 61 laps, had electrical problems that sent him to the garage with three laps to go and he would finish 13th. Gilliland had a flat tire which basically gave the victory over to Burton.
Chase Cabre was able to secure a second-place finish, his best career finish in the K&N Pro Series. Travis Miller finished third with Ronnie Bassett Jr., and Jay Beasley rounding out the Top-5.
Burton was able to extend his championship points lead to 28 over Gilliland while Hunter Baize, who finished sixth, is another 18 points back. Third through seventh are separated by just seven points.
