Toyota’s Thomas Loses Heartbreaker at USAC Leffler Memorial

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Tyler Thomas led the first 37 laps, then battled Tyler Courtney to the finish line, but came up just short of the win at the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series’ Jason Leffler Memorial at Wayne County Speedway, Thursday night.

Thomas started the evening on the pole and went straight to the lead at the green flag, with Courtney moving up into second. The duo would stay that way throughout the first third of the race. 

Thomas eventually began to pull away maneuvering through lapped traffic. Behind him the action began to heat up with fellow Toyota driver Jesse Colwell charging through the field to battle Courtney, with the two trading the second spot. A caution on lap 25 of the 40-lap feature would, seemingly, change the complexion of the race.

Thomas would bring the field back to green, but his lead had been negated with the caution. Behind him, Colwell would make another run for second, but would get high through turns one and two and slip back in the field.

Taking over third was Jason McDougal, who after starting second in his Frank Manafort Racing Toyota had slipped back in the field early. McDougal regained his groove and would pass Courtney for second on the restart, only to see Courtney slide him back for the position. 

With 10 laps remaining, Courtney began to close on Thomas and with five to go he was right on his tail. Courtney surged ahead, but Thomas was able to hold him off on laps 36 and 37. Courtney would finally take the lead on lap 38, only to see Thomas come right back at him as the two would go side-by-side to the green flag. As they took the white flag, Courtney held a slight lead with Thomas making a final run for the lead, but it fell just short as Courtney would take the win. Thomas finished second, with McDougal right on his tail in third. Logan Seavey made it three Toyotas in the top four as he charged up through the field from the 20th starting position to finish fourth.

Brady Bacon (seventh) and Tucker Klaasmeyer (tenth) also earned top-10 finishing positions on the night.

The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series continues Saturday at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind.

TRD PR

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