Mahder has been racing through a lot of tough luck this season but everything came together for him Thursday as he led from start to finish in the Modified main event. Again in this race, it was another Baxter, this time Dave, who provided the challenge for the race distance. Mahder got the early jump on Jake Hartung but Baxter came roaring up from the second row to quickly move into second and challenge Mahder for the lead.
Following a lap four yellow for a spin, Baxter dove low in turn two and pulled up beside Mahder in a race for the lead, but Cory worked off the cushion and held off Baxter while Hartung remained a close third. Scott Duval moved into the fourth spot with Mike Anderson, Kevin Adams and Kerry Halopka battling behind them.
Mahder continued to hold the lead while Baxter pushed hard and raced two car lengths behind as the top three cars worked the cushion. While they remained close, no one was able to execute a change of position but just as they caught lapped traffic, another spin with only two laps to go slowed the field again.
However, Mahder got a great start and opened a slight lead over Baxter and over the last two laps, Cory continued to show the way as he drove home for the win with Baxter and Hartung trailing. Adams made a late rush and moved ahead of Duval to finish fourth.
Written by Ed Reichert