By DAVE SULLY

DELEVAN, NY- The Zimmer Service Center ULMS Late Models made their third trip to Freedom Motorsports Park this season on Friday, August 10th, and for the first time Max Blair, who is normally unbeatable there, didn’t win. A healthy contingent of 18 Super Late Models were on hand, and a full house saw Boom Briggs, a recent regular on the Lucas Oil Late Model Series, emerge victorious in a highly entertaining race.

With fast timer Greg Oakes on the pole, the race got off to an eventful start, as a fourth turn scrum eliminated Mikey Wonderling and collected a couple of others who were able to drive away. Significantly, Briggs, who started seventh, was already up to third after a great start.

Oakes set sail on the restart, with Briggs quickly seizing second, while Blair, who went off eighth, moved into third. Oakes set a blistering pace at the front before coming up on lap traffic on the eighth circuit. The ninth lap proved to be his undoing, as, running high he came upon a lap car running the outside, and in a heartbeat, Briggs, who ran low all night streaked past him to take the lead.

Briggs, who seemed to be on a mission careened around the Freedom oval, while Oakes desperately tried to keep within striking distance, while also trying to fend off Blair, who harassed him for second. Following a lap 17 caution, Briggs broke free, while Oakes and Blair fought for second. Oakes was able to secure the spot and closed on Briggs twice over the final laps, but to no avail, as Briggs took the checkers, Blair settled for third, while Mike Knight and Chub Frank completed the top five.

Briggs offered, “I knew the bottom was good in qualifying. I told Chub about it in the heat race, but his car was a little tighter than mine. I’m up here because of Bob (track owner Bob Reis).and I really appreciate him getting me and Chub up here tonight. Chub and me will be back. All you fans here tonight are very much appreciated

ULMS Late Models: (30 laps) – 1. Boom Briggs, 2. Greg Oakes, 3. Max Blair, 4. Mike Knight, 5. Chub Frank, 6. Wyatt Scott, 7. Mike Maresca, 8. Nathan Hill, 9. Chris Hackett, 10. Bob Dorman, 11. Doug Eck, 12. Andy Boozel, 13. Danny Kienitz , 14. Jason Dobson, 15. Rick Tripodi, 16. Al Brewer, 17. Mike Smith, and 18. Mikey Wonderling. Heat winners were Maresca, Briggs, and Blair. Integra Shocks Fast time was Oakes.