Dupree wins feature race at Airborne

July 05, 2009 03:23 am

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PLATTSBURGH — Patrick Dupree gained 15 positions in the first six laps during two restarts, passed Leon Gonyo for the lead on lap 16 and sped off to a convincing win in the High Peaks Dental Mayor's Cup 30-lap Modified feature Saturday at Airborne Speedway.

The win was Dupree's second of the season and it brought him within four points of point leader Martin Roy, who started 17th and finished 7th.

"You have to try and get it done early," Dupree said. "I could put the car anywhere tonight and I was able to take advantage of a couple of openings on the outside. That was fantastic."

Gonyo held off a charge from third-place George Foley. Chris Cayea, of Mooers, had his season best finish in fourth. Maxime Viens, of St. Cesaire, Quebec ran fifth for his first top-5 of the year. Positions 6-10 went to Matt Woodruff, Roy, Aaron Bartemy, Don Scarborough and Greg Atkins.

The J&S Steel Sportsman feature was in doubt until the final lap. Sixty-two year-old Bill Sawyer, of Milton, Vt., and defending champion Bucko Branham went wheel to wheel for a dozen laps without ever separating by more than a half car length, while Chris Reeves and Skip Liberty tracked close behind.

Sawyer and Branham swapped the lead twice before Branham twitched and lost ground on the white flag lap and Sawyer spun out, opening the door for Reeves who shot under them both and came away with his first career win.

Liberty got up for second and Branham settled for third.

"They got into each other and it opened the lane for me," Reeves said. "I've been trying for three years to do this. It feels real good."

Larry Underwood and Howard Stoner completed the top five. Jamy Begor and Richie Turner were sixth and seventh. Robin Wood, trying for his fifth straight win, left with overheating problems.

Unofficially, Mike Terry, of Grand Isle, won the Renegade feature by eight car lengths over Ken St. Germaine and Ken Davies Fourth went to Dave Rabtoy. Josh Allen placed fifth.

Rick Doner, of AuSable Forks, won the NAPA Mini Modified feature with point leader Bill Thwaits perched on his rear bumper. Dustin Duvall was third.

Jayson Blondo, of Champlain, won the Bomber feature.