May 25, 2024 | By Anthony Ainslie

Kay Outduels Eckrich to take Malvern Bank Late Model Victory at Maquoketa

MAQUOKETA, Iowa — Justin Kay added his name to the growing list of winners for the Malvern Bank Super Late Models East Series in 2024 as he won Saturday’s show at Maquoketa Speedway.

The first of 3 stops over Memorial Day Weekend for the East Series took the tour to the high-banked quarter-mile bullring at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Maquoketa, Iowa. Drivers from Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin packed the pit area for a shot at a $3,000 payday on a warm Saturday night.

Derrick Stewart kicked the night off being the fastest in time trials as he clocked in at 14.139 seconds. Later, it was Dylan Thornton, Chris Spieker and Jeff Tharp taking heat race wins on the night.

Defending Race Winner Andrew Kosiski took the win in the B feature on the night, and after provisionals were decided, 23 cars took to the speedway for the 30-lap finale. Dylan Thornton jumped out to an early lead while a plethora of side-by-side battles ensued throughout the field.

Thornton saw himself in a tight 3-car battle with Tharp and Andy Eckrich. Tharp pursued Thornton on the top side of the racetrack while Eckrich ran the low end. Thornton was up for the challenge as he swapped lanes every couple of laps to block any potential overtakes.

Thornton, however, could not keep the defense up the whole way as Eckrich found his way to the lead as he and Thornton came off turn four with 18 laps remaining. The pass came just one lap before Luke Petska spun in turn four bringing out the race’s only caution.

When racing resumed, Eckrich led, but Justin Kay had worked his way into the top three after starting back in ninth. Kay and Eckrich became locked into a high-speed battle around the high banks of Maquoketa for the race lead. Eckrich stuck to his bottom lane run while Kay used every ounce of the top side he could get. Both drivers went back and forth, both trying to gain the upper hand on the other.

It was not until only six laps remained that Kay finally cleared Eckrich for the lead. From there, Kay went straight to the bottom lane to defend his spot. His efforts paid off sweetly, as the 2-time East Series Champion from Wheatland, Iowa took home the big win. It was his first win of the season and his 12th career series victory which helped Kay pass Corey Zeitner for 6th on the all-time win list. The victory also made Kay the fourth different winner in four appearances by the East Series at Maquoketa Speedway.

Andy Eckrich would have to settle for second while Dylan Thornton took third. Jeff Tharp finished fourth, and Spencer Diercks rounded out the top five.
Two races remain for the East Series on Memorial Day weekend. On Sunday, the tour heads to the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway in Dubuque, Iowa. Then, the tour finishes up business on the weekend on Monday with their annual trip to the Davenport Speedway and the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa.