 MILLVILLE,
NJ (September 13, 2009) -- Patrick Long made his first career start in the ARCA
RE/MAX Series a memorable one leading 46 of 67 laps en route the win. Long, a
seasoned road course competitor in the American Le Mans Series, fought off the
late-race challenges of his Cunningham Motorsports teammate Parker Kligerman
to claim victory in the South Jersey Trades 150 on Sunday. Kligerman's
runner-up finish also propelled him into a tie for first place in the driver
standings with Justin Lofton with just three races remaining on the 2009 ARCA
RE/MAX Series schedule.
Thirty-five cars were entered in qualifying Saturday with Patrick Long
setting a new track record on the 12-turn, 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway road
course. Long's time was 81.3245 seconds for an average speed of 99.602 mph.
Parker Kligerman was a close second with a time of 81.414 seconds (99.491
mph).
While Long would start on the pole, Kligerman had to start from the rear of
the field after his team changed the engine and drive line after qualifying.
The race featured Long dominating the action while the crowd enjoyed the
passing clinic put on by Kligerman as he worked his way through the
field.
The race featured six leaders among three different drivers. Race leaders
included; Patrick Long 1-25, 47-67 (46 laps), Spencer Pumpelly 26-27, 31-35 (7
laps) and Parker Kligerman 28-30, 36-46 (14 laps).
The race came down to a final 5-lap shootout between teammates Long and
Kligerman after a late-race caution.
The duo energized the crowd with exciting side-by-side racing which included
some contact which sent Kligerman on an off-course excursion.
Kligerman would quickly return to the track, but the detour crushed any
hopes of a win for the young Connecticut driver.
Long, in his first series start, went on to win by .311 seconds with
Kligerman settling for second place.
Road racing ace Spencer Pumpelly, also making his first series start,
finished in third place followed by Robb Brent and Tim George, Jr.
Justin Lofton finished in sixth place and was the final driver to finish the
race on the lead lap.
The 67-lap race had just three cautions for a total of 11 laps.
Parker Kligerman and Justin Lofton are now tied in the ARCA RE/MAX Series
driver standings with 4520 points, while Frank Kimmel, who finished in ninth
place, remains in third place in the standings with 4165 points.
The ARCA RE/MAX Series returns to Salem Speedway this Saturday, September
19th.
For more information about the ARCA RE/MAX Series visit www.arcaracing.com.
Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. is proud to be the official tire of the ARCA
RE/MAX Series.
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