In the top-10 for the session, there are five drivers that are within the top-20 in points that do not have a victory and are either trying to win for a playoff spot or claim one of the three still-open spots on points (Conor Mays is guaranteed one of them).
Robert Harrison, who sits the highest above the playoff cut line while still looking for a birth, got the second-fastest time. Here's the top times under the Nazareth lights: 1) Jason Thales - 27.413 (161 laps) T2) Craig Martin - 27.418 (161) T2) Robert Harrison - 27.418 (165) 4) Kenny Knox - 27.419 (165) 5) Hierjel Arvin Alonso - 27.420 (160) 6) Ray Chapman - 27.423 (160) 7) Ryan Kendall - 27.426 (166) 8) Jon Gilbert - 27.429 (168) 9) Jake Thomas - 27.436 (155) 10) Kyle Law - 27.437 (158)
The probation will last through the regular season finale at Nazareth Speedway and the entirety of the first round of the playoffs.
"Looking over the video evidence, we determined that the #23 driver turned his steering wheel straight in order to afflict additional damage to the #9," NFRN Director of Competition Kris Neuert said. "Because of the severity of the ensuing accident, we have to hand out warnings to tell drivers to calm down, regardless of their playoff status." The penalty is the biggest brought against a driver this season, surpassing a pair of three-race probations given to TJ Smith and Jesse Makana (still being served). Law will be watched for aggressive incidents or incidents deemed to be his fault during that set of races, as well as any he may qualify for in the NFRN Elite Cup Series. He has a playoff birth through back-to-back victories at Bumpdraftin' Superspeedway and Nox Raceway, but was unable to officially clinch based on his finishing position at Peoria, which was 39th.
Eric Van Arsdale, who was fastest in final practice for this race, led the majority of the first half after starting from the pole. However, a quicker green-flag pit stop by Austin Rogers got him out in front to lead the second half.
After a pair of cautions, the race ended under yellow and Rogers was able to hold off the field as the #67 was able to do in the first 20 laps. "It was great work by the crew today," crew chief Stewart Kelan said. "Obviously, our driver did what he needed to in fending off the rest of the field, but since the track was so one-groove, we needed that track position and the pit guys delivered." Chris Harley had been the only driver to officially clinch a playoff spot coming in, but five more drivers officially clinched in following the race, including Dwayne Callaway, Donnie Moore, Rogers, and Sparky the Sun Devil. Conor Mays also locked himself in by virtue of points. "We're obviously really glad to be safe going into Nazareth [Speedway]," Mays said. "The only thing that's really disappointing is that it hasn't resulted in a win. We've come so close so many times, we just need to close it out." Mays finished 13th, and the past two races are the first time he's had back-to-back finishes outside the top-10 this season. Meanwhile, drama reared its ugly head in the later part of the race. Colin Lindsay, NFRN Elite Cup Series Season 1 runner-up, finished last for the second week in a row in a crash involving Jake Thomas and Jack Freeman. He's in a must-win situation going into Nazareth. One of the playoff cut line contenders, Hierjel Arvin Alonso, was rear-ended by Jay Jefferson going into turn 3, putting them both in the wall and damaging them enough to both go backwards in spots. "I'm having a huge issue with Jay Jefferson," Alonso said. "He wasted my chance of another top-10 and I'm sure my playoff spot is at risk. He's driving like crazy."
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