Matt Hirschman goes from 8th to win “Summer Showdown” at Mahoning Valley Speedway for 69th Career Victory
COLUMN BY: RACE OF CHAMPIONS MEDIA – LEHIGHTON, PA –Matt Hirschman is always a contender, no matter the track. But when the Race of Champions Modified Series visits Mahoning Valley Speedway, one of the tracks closest to his home, Hirschman seems to find another gear.
On Saturday night, Hirschman started 8th, methodically worked his way through the field, took the lead and fended off the challenges of Austin Beers of Northampton, PA to go on and win the 75-lap “Summer Showdown”. It was the 69th victory of Hirschman’s career.
“It’s always great to win here at home,” said Hirschman following the event. “We’ve had a great start to the Race of Champions season. I want to thank my family, the team, our sponsors, and everyone that supports us. Hopefully we can keep our momentum going.”
The race began with Austin Kochenash of Danielsville, PA and Jake Christman from Walnutport, PA showing the way before Hirschman found his rhythm worked through the field and the caution plagued event to take the lead.
Beers was able to show his nose to Hirschman on a couple of late race restarts but it was to no avail. Beers wound up second with early race leader, Kyle Strohl of Palmertown, PA, coming home third.
Christman came home fourth and Paulie Hartwig, III of Galloway, NJ, rounded out the top-five.
Hirschman, Roger Coss of Lafayette, NJ and Hartwig won the qualifying races. Hirschman posted the fastest time in green-white-checker qualifying.
