Chaffee finishes 23rd, Scarborough 27th; Pierson, Gray, Morgan, Fornwalt, Gage DNQ

VERNON, N.Y. – Rocky Warner continued where he left off in the King of Dirt Sportsman Modified Series on Sunday night at Utica-Rome Speedway.

The Gloversville, N.Y. driver used an early race restart to snag the lead from Dave Marcuccilli. From there, Warner kept the top spot – and Marcuccilli at bay – through at multiple race restarts in the 30-lap season opening race.

The win for Warner was the fourth of his King of Dirt career and his third straight win dating back to last season.

“My guys work hard in the shop and the result show on the track,” Warner said in victory lane, according to a press release issued by the King of Dirt. “These King of Dirt races have been good to us and we’re happy to have a good result tonight”

Marcuccilli, of Montzeuma, N.Y., settled for second while apparent third place finisher Daryl Nutting was disqualified in post-race technical inspection. Connor Cleveland of Corinth, N.Y., moved up the final spot on the podium.

Chris Mackey and Dave Moyer finished fourth and fifth, respectively, while JaMike Sowle, Jeremy Pitts, Glenn Forward, Michael Sabia, and Beth Bellinger completed the top-ten finishers.

Bear Ridge Speedway driver Kevin Chaffee posted a 23rd place finish while Brandon, Vt. driver Joey Scarborough was involved in an early race incident and was relegated to a 27th place finish.

Other area drivers – Adam Pierson, Jason Gray, Jordan Fornwalt, Jim Morgan, and Adam Gage – failed to qualify as 56 cars attempted to race their way into the season opening King of Dirt race.

The King of Dirt Sportsman Modified series will race at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday, June 24.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – SUNY Canton/Wilbur-Duck Chevrolet 30
King of Dirt Sportsman Modified Series – Utica Rome Speedway, Vernon, N.Y.
Sunday, June 12, 2016

Pos.-Driver-Hometown

1. Rocky Warner, Gloversville, N.Y.
2. Dave Marcuccilli, Montezuma, N.Y.
3. Connor Cleveland, Corinth, N.Y.
4. Chris Mackey, Rome, N.Y.
5. Dave Moyer, Oneida, N.Y.
6. JaMike Sowle, Fultonville, N.Y.
7. Jeremy Pitts, Schaghtioke, N.Y.
8. Glenn Forward, Morrisville, N.Y.
9. Michael Sabia, Easton, Conn.
10. Beth Bellinger, Bridgeport, N.Y.
11. Chris Schaffer, Ames, N.Y.
12. Jason Rood, Oneida, N.Y.
13. David Schilling, East Greenbush, N.Y.
14. Robert Bublak, Ballston Spa, N.Y.
15. Brent Joy, Oneida, N.Y.
16. Tim Hartman Jr., Niskayuna, N.Y.
17. Taylor Lamb, Clay, N.Y.
18. Cody Bleau, Defreestville, N.Y.
19. Brad Alger, Oneonta, N.Y.
20. Hunter Bates, Middlebury, Vt.
21. Cody Hunt, Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
22. Will Shields, Geona, N.Y.
23. Kevin Chaffee, Bradford, Vt.
24. Cody Clark, Salisbury Center, N.Y.
25. Kyle Kiehn, Stockbridge, N.Y.
26. John Christian, Otego, N.Y.
27. Joey Scarborough, Brandon, Vt.
28. Chad Edwards, Gloversville, N.Y.
29. Casey Williams, Vernon, N.Y.
30. Stephen Denton, Sauquoit, N.Y.
31. Andrew Buff, Latham, N.Y.
DQ – Daryl Nutting, Malta, N.Y.

PHOTO: Rocky Warner celebrates his King of Dirt Sportsman Modified Series win on Sunday night at Utica-Rome Speedway. (Bill McGaffin photo)