Gastineau walks away from crash; Neighbors gets first win

Larry Neighbors won his first super sprint feature of the season Friday night at State Fair Speedway but sprint driver Whit Gastineau should probably feel just as fortunate.

Though it was Neighbors who led most of the 20-lap feature and crossed the finish line a straightaway ahead of second-place Gary Flatt, Gastineau successfully walked away from what was easily the worst crash of the season to date.

Gastineau lost control in a pile of other cars coming out of turn four. The former Westmoore High School football player and wrestler slammed into the front straightaway wall nearly head-on and near full speed.

Fire and smoke flared up from the crash, but Gastineau immediately climbed out of the car and appeared to be OK, walking off the track on his own power.

The crash highlighted an already turbulent night that saw numerous flips from the championship and super sprint divisions.

As for Neighbors, he moved into third place on lap three of the feature after leader Jimmy Taylor headed to the pits. Neighbors quickly passed Tyler Johnson for second place and moved to first on lap five after leader Loyd Clevenger ducked off the track with car problems.

Neighbors took it from there, briefly trading leads with Flatt before leaving the Don Strawn-sponsored driver behind.

In the USA modifieds, Jay Sale moved around Chris Cary to take the lead in the feature race on lap 11. Sale held off second place Stanley Reed, Jr. and third place Allen Chickering for the win.

Jeff Rozelle won the factory stock feature race. The championship sprint feature had not been completed at press time.

•Official results were not available at press time.