PGRL S6 W12 Recap

05 December 2023
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 12
Premier Series | Dover Motor Speedway

At the Pretty Good Racing League’s event on December 5, 2023, held at Dover Motor Speedway, Colton Salek emerged triumphant after a thrilling battle in back-to-back 80-lap races featuring the NASCAR Cup Series Gen 4 stock cars.

In the initial race, Salek, starting from the pole position, showcased impressive defensive skills against challengers Braun Yaczik and Jeff Ward in the early laps. However, a caution on lap 17 involving Scott Eckrich and Ryan Zima disrupted potential pit strategies, with Zima being disqualified due to his involvement in the incident.

Resuming the race, Yaczik took the lead ahead of Michael Chrobok, but Eckrich, in a powerful recovery run, quickly surged ahead, overtaking the lead by running around the outside. Subsequent cautions in the latter part of the race intensified the competition as drivers made aggressive moves for position.

As the race neared its conclusion, Eckrich held the lead with Ward closing in. A late-race caution ended the race prematurely, allowing Eckrich to narrowly retain the lead ahead of Ward and Chrobok.

The second race saw a dynamic shift as Marc Cohn led the pack at the start, swiftly overtaken by Johnathon Caddell. A caution on lap 23 from contact between Eckrich and Yaczik led to pit stops. Salek capitalized on a fast pit stop, claiming the lead for the restart.

Chrobok, aiming for a strategic advantage, made a late pit stop, followed by others, creating a flurry of pit activity that shuffled the field. Despite Chrobok’s attempt to gain ground, Salek and Eckrich surged ahead in the final laps, engaging in an intense duel marked by multiple contacts.

In a strategic move, Salek tactfully maneuvered around Eckrich, who aggressively blocked, enabling Salek to secure the lead by taking the inside line and outmaneuvering Eckrich. Salek maintained his pace, ultimately outpacing Eckrich and claiming victory in a fiercely contested race.

Chrobok’s consistent performance keeps him at the top of the point standings, although he remains winless this season. His 390-point lead over Salek underscores his overall consistency.

The PGRL action continues with back-to-back 85-lap races at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the NASCAR Craftsman trucks on December 12th, promising another exhilarating showdown only on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:50 PM ET.