Returning to our home track after racing at BRRP in Glyndon, MN, last Sunday night (and getting rained out at Grand Rapids on Thursday night), Skyler started on the pole position in heat number 2, and in the fast-moving prelim race moved in and out of the lead, eventually settling for second.

After the intermission, Skyler started the feature in the third spot (second row inside) in the 11 car field.  After some bumping and banging in the first couple of laps, Skyler slipped to fifth--and then made contact with another car in turn one.  The impact tore off his front bumper and left it lying on the track.  A couple of other cars spun out in the same incident, and out came the yellow flag.  As the cars came around and idled in front the grandstand while awaiting the restart, the 911 Midwest Mod, driven by Skyler's brother, Brandon, caught on fire.  The track officials didn't see it right away, but quick action by the Barrett family in the pits put out the fire.  Leon Barrett (Ev's father) ran out with a fire extinguisher and prevented a possible very bad situation situation.  Brandon escaped out his window and waved to the crowd, signaling that he was alright.

On the restart, Skyler was sent to the rear.  However,  he pressed hard, picking off two cars until another pile-up resulted in the loss of two more cars and a caution flag.  On the next restart, Skyler was in 6th place, and gradually worked his way back to 4th.  His battle with nemesis Gary Nelson, Jr. was exciting, with Skyler finally making the pass in the turn two of the white flag lap.

So no serious damage, and a 4th place finish.  We'll take it.  Ev Barrett was under the weather and did not race tonight.

Next race:  we're looking closely at the calendar, and at a special event race at North Central Speedway in Brainerd on Tuesday night, July 28.   It's pretty certain that we'll be there.   If not, you'll see us in Grand Rapids on Thursday, July 30.