Delta’s Dave Hemrich didn’t need to cross the finish line first during the Gordie Mannes Memorial Race Aug. 4 to 5 to cash in.
Placing third on Saturday and fifth on Sunday, the six-time and defending Agassiz Speedway champion earned the highest total points making him $1,700 richer.
The ASA Advance Testing BC Late Model tour race had a format that gave points for qualifying, heat races and main events. Driving a Chevrolet Impala, Hemrich also had the fastest time the first night and was third quickest Sunday. The 2010 race champion, Tom Berrow of Coquitlam was second overall in the weekend points while last year’s winner, Korbin Thomas of White Rock, tied for third with Geoff Morris.
During Saturday’s 100-lap race, Berrow, who started seventh, took the lead on lap 25 and dominated the final 75 laps to victory. Brandon Carlson was second and Hemrich charged from the 12th starting spot. Mark Berrieau and Wade Bland rounded out the top five.
Sunday’s main event, also 100 laps, went from green to checkered flag in 25 minutes, 32 seconds. Morris led the entire race and is the fourth winner in four races this season.
The two fastest qualifiers, Thomas and Matt Stephenson, moved up from eleventh and twelth to finish second and third. Berrow remains the series season point leader.
Victoria’s Ryan Wade won both main events in the Street Stock class while Chilliwack’s Curtis Williams did the same in the Hornet division. Over 60 cars from all over B.C. competed in the three classes.
Summerland driver Sarah Cornett-Ching placed sixth overall. Throughout the weekend Cornett-Ching dealt with handling issues despite efforts to repair it.
“We did make progress on the car, and it was definitely better,” said Cornett-Ching. “We can take a lot of positives out of this, with it only being our second time here in a late model at this track. We were able to make some strong outside passes, and the car is relatively unscathed.”
The next race at the Penticton Speedway is Saturday with the Eve of Destruction starting at 7 p.m. with hornet, street stocks and hit-to-pass.
