Matt Hirschman makes last lap move to win Thunder in the Hills 100 at Holland Speedway
COLUMN BY: RACE OF CHAMPIONS MEDIA – HOLLAND, NY- Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA made a dramatic last lap move in the final corner of the Thunder in the Hills 100 to beat Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, NY back to the checkered flag.
Hirschman always seems to find another gear.
On Saturday night, Hirschman started 5th, methodically worked his way through the field, before haunting Emerling for the lead following a rain delay. When Hirschman out-dragged Emerling to the line it became the 70th win of his Series career.
“It’s always great to win here. That was a close one,” said Hirschman following the event. “We’ve had a great 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 Shawn Nye of Lancaster, NY and Emerling showing the way before Jake Lutz of Hamburg, NY worked his way into the mix.
Emerling then set the pace until the closing laps of the race and his torrid battle with Hirschman. Emerling wound up second. Paulie Hartwig, III of Galloway, NJ raced his way to third.
Lutz came home fourth and Nye rounded out the top-five.
Hartwig and Hirschman won the the qualifying races. Hartwig posted the fastest time in green-white-checker qualifying.
Szafraniec Runs Strong at Holland
In the Race of Champions FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series, Jeff Szafraniec of Akron, NY took home the victory.
The Race of Champions Street feature will be contested on Saturday, August 29. The division will run two features on Saturday, August 29 as the Race of Champions TruCaliber Fierme, LTD Late Models have been removed from the schedule due to a scheduling conflict with another speedway running a major Late Model race in the region.
Up Next:
The Race of Champions “Family of Series” heads to Spencer Speedway in Williamson, NY for Apple Harvest Night on Friday, August 14 while the 37th annual Tribute to Tommy Druar and Tony Jankowiak 110 takes center stage on Saturday, August 15 at Lancaster Motorplex.
