FINDLAY, OH (7-20-08) by Bryan Autullo - All Star PR Director

Do you believe in Miracles?  The city of Findlay, Ohio does.  Dean Miracle did the impossible and put on an event at a facility that hasn't seen action in nine years - and it was a huge success!  A capacity crowd filled the stands and grass seating areas to overflowing as fans were lined up for hundreds of yards waiting in line at the ticket windows.  It was evident that the re-opening of this dirt track icon was long overdue.  Dean Miracle leased the facility just a few months back and put together a crew who did what everyone said couldn't be done.  The result was a fantastic night of racing with only a few minor flaws such as  too few restrooms, too few food vendors, and too few parking spaces - all problems that any promoter dreams of having.  The fans seemed to be happy to be there regardless.  The event started a little later than planned as the promoter and All Star officials wanted to allow the long line of fans waiting to get in the opportunity to see the whole show.  

The A-main had the feel of a Kings Royal event.  The overflowing crowd was on their feet, cheering and waving, making noise that almost drowned out the engines as the 4-wide salute to the fans rolled past.  This was what they all came to see.  The track surface held up remarkably well considering that a few months back it was covered with weeds and rocks. 

All Star points leader Lance Dewease would lead them to the starting line with Blake Feese to his outside. The "Miracle on Dirt" was about to begin.  When the green flag dropped, it was Feese who jumped to the early lead.  The action on the track was wild from front to back as the cars went 3 and sometimes 4 wide for position back through the pack.  Fans remembered why they used to love coming to Millstream. 

The red flew on lap 3 for Andy Shammo who got together with Brandon Marting and Jamie Miller who both had minor damage, but both exited the speedway.  The action continued to be intense after the restart until a lap 9 caution flew for Byron Reed who lost a drive shaft in turn 3 ending his night.  At the restart it was Feese, Dewease, Shaffer, Blaney, and Hannagan.

Blaney began to make his charge to the front on the restart as Greg Wilson began his climb from his 18th starting spot.  Blaney moved into second place by lap 15, then stole the lead from Feese on lap 20.  Dewease hung onto 3rd as he battle Wilson lap after lap trading slide jobs.  Wilson eventually got by Dewease, as did Shaffer.

When the checkered flag flew, Blaney was the victor with Feese and Wilson in tow.  Shaffer came home fourth and Dewease rounded out the Top 5.  This will tighten up the points battle between Blaney and Dewease even more as the All Stars prepare to head West for Thunder Through the Plains.