ELMA, WA – Lane Zerbin returned to Grays Harbor Raceway Saturday night looking to better his 16th place finish from two weeks ago. “We really had good speed the last time we were here,” exclaims the driver of the Northern Provincial Pipelines/Alien Chassis #81 Modified, “we know we can run good at this track. We won a Feature here last year.” Last month (May 22nd), Zerbin qualified second fastest at the Elma, Washington track. While running 5th in the Feature, Zerbin came into contact with another car snapping a tie rod which ended his night. On the weekend, starting positions were made by pill draw. “No qualifying this time. We drew for position. I started last in my heat.” The Victoria, British Columbia driver gained only a single position and finished seventh. “Got a flat tire near the end of the Heat which didn’t help.” Zerbin, the only Canadian in the field, had his work cut out for him in the 25 lap Feature. “I started 14th (out of 16 cars). It was going to be tough to get to the front but that’s why we’re here.”

Dry slick track conditions made for some tense moments behind the wheel. “Missed a couple of spins in front of me. But thanks to those spins and yellow flags, I was able to gain several spots.” Back to back yellow flags on the opening laps and the number of cars involved moved Zerbin from his 14th starting position up to 5th. During the race Zerbin found a bit of grip on the high side of the track and took advantage. “I made a few passes on the outside and gained a few more spots.” Zerbin’s perseverance paid off and by the halfway point of the Feature he found himself running in second. Looking for his first podium finish of the 2017 season came to quick end with just five laps to go. “I was trying to pass a lapped car. I spun myself out on the dry slick track.” This time the Yellow flag would fly for Team NPP. “It was a rookie mistake,” sighs Zerbin, “it figures that I ended up finishing 13th.” Zerbin is hoping to return to Grays Harbor Raceway later this month. “If all goes well we’ll be back on June 17th to run the Washington Modified Tour event.” Other races Zerbin has on his wish list is a two-day show at Willamette Speedway in Lebanon, Oregon on June 30th and July 1st. “We got our first ever Modified win there last year so I really want to go back.” The Shipwreck Beads Modified Nationals at Grays Harbor Raceway July 28th and 29th is also circled on Zerbins calendar. “It’s one of the biggest Modified races on the west coast. I definitely don’t want to miss this one.”

MODIFIED
FEATURE RESULTS
1. #11 Tom Sweatman – Cosmopolis, Washington
2. #28 Brian Harding – Oakville, Washington
3. #50 Kris Asche – Shelton, Washington
4. #44 Del Schnitzer – Shelton, Washington
5. #26 Scott Miller – Shelton, Washington
6. #97 Tyson Blood – Olympia, Washington
7. #43 Shane Kerrigan – Aberdeen, Washington
8. #41 Tyson Phillips – Washington
9. #87 Tyler Walker – Elma, Washington
10.#47 Steve Signal – Olympia, Washington
11.# 4 Bill Rowe – Washington
12.#12 Zack Simpson – Aberdeen, Washington
13.#81 Lane Zerbin – Victoria, British Columbia
14.# 3 Cory Sweatman – Cosmopolis, Washington
15.#14 Kyler Moore – Seabeck, Washington
16.#47 Austin Kerrigan – Aberdeen, Washington