8/28/2016
Delaware International Speedway
MATT HAWKINS KEEPS PACE WITH FATHER WITH 2ND WIN IN DELAWARE BIG BLOCKS
By Charlie Brown, DELMAR, DE – R.C. Holloway & Co. Auto Parts hosted the Delmarva Master Technician Service Specialist for AC Delco on Saturday night at the Delaware international Speedway. Last week, Matt Hawkins finished second to his father but this week Matt took the lead late in the 25-lap Big Block Modified feature and drove to his second win of the year.
It took three attempts to get the first lap in. Kyle Fuller looked like he had finally shook the bad luck he has been having all season as he set the pace for the first four circuits until Howard O’Neal moved on top.
Dale Hawkins ended his chances of back to back wins when he climbed the back straight wall coming down on all fours on the track but doing enough damage that he would only be able to continue for a couple more laps.
Matt Hawkins had been steadily working his way through the top five from his 10th starting spot and pulled by Fuller for second on the restart. O’Neal had the high groove under control and was able to fend off several challenges by Matt. With five to go, O’Neal got slightly out of shape in the third turn and that was all it took for Hawkins to take the lead. Once out front Matt would drive to his second win of the season.
“It was pretty much a repeat of last week,� said Hawkins. “I didn’t think I was going to catch Howard (O’Neal) just like I didn’t catch my Dad. He went in there and hit the slop down underneath the tires and I got him. I was just trying not to mess up.�
O’Neal finished in the second spot with Fuller posting his season’s best in third. Fourth went to Scott VanGorder and Shawn Ward rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Fuller and Matt Hawkins.
Big Block Modified Finish: 1. Matt Hawkins; 2. Howard O’Neal; 3. Kyle Fuller; 4. Scott VanGorder; 5. Shawn Ward; 6. Brad Trice; 7. Michael White; 8. H.J. Bunting; 9. Dave Schamp; 10. J.D. Brasure; 11. Dale Hawkins; 12. Dave Dissinger; 13. Robert Dutton; 14. Brandon Watkins; 15. Kevin Sockriter.
