By Scott Hammer
WAUSEON, Ohio — Jason Paxton finally found his way back to victory lane for the second time this season at Oakshade Raceway in the $2,000 to win American Late Model Series Feature on Saturday night.
Swanton Sports Center sponsored an exciting evening of racing action at the 3/8 mile oval adding extra money into the purse for the top finishers in all three divisions.
Duane Chamberlain took command at the start of the 30-lap ALMS Feature. Chamberlain with one feature win at Oakshade so far this year, continued to lead until Justin Paxton from Lambertville, MI made the pass on lap four.
The first caution flag waved on lap 12 after Rusty Schlenk, winner of the last two UMP Late Model Features and current points leader at Oakshade, came to a stop in turn three. Both he and Josh Steinacker retired to the pits.
After the restart, Brian Ruhlman and Rick Delong battled for second behind Paxton. The two drivers then began to close in on the race leader as Paxton was working through slower traffic at the back of the field. Delong got up alongside the 34 car of Paxton to pressure for the lead, just as Ken Hahn spun in turn four right in front of the leaders bringing out the yellow flag with five laps remaining.
With open track in front of him, Paxton went on to hold off Delong and Ruhlman for the victory. Rody Schroyer finished fourth with Hillard Miller finishing fifth.
Paxton is second in points and with Schlenk's troubles, Paxton was able to make up some ground in the points chase.