Toledo Speedway

Toledo, Ohio—April 16, 2016: Cody Coughlin and Steve Needles captured the 2-100 lap races that made up the 7-Up 200 for the season opener Saturday afternoon at Toledo Speedway. Steve Harsh, representing the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group, the local 7-Up distributor, and his guests presented the trophies to the victors in the 7-Up Winner’s Circle.

The ARCA/CRA Super Series powered by Jeg’s stock-bodied Late Models took to the track for the first contest. Dalton Armstrong took the lead at the start, but that was short-lived as Chad Finley dove under Dalton in the first 5 circuits to take control. 2-time defending race winner Brian Campbell moved quickly to the point and zipped along out front as the first 72 laps went all green flag.  Coughlin took the lead on lap 65 as Campbell fell slightly back.

And then the bottom fell out for Brian, as he lost his brakes going into turn 3 and slammed the foam blocks, bringing out the red flag on lap 72.  Brian walked away but his car suffered heavy damage.  Coughlin stayed out front when the race went back to green, zipping along in the final 28 laps to take the victory. Finley came home second, Armstrong third, Johnny VanDoorn fourth and Canadian Jerry Artuso was fifth. Travis Braden, Jordan Pruitt, Grant Quinlan, Chris Koslek and Hunter Jack completed the top ten. Wes Griffith Jr., Mark Beard, Jeff Cannon, Thomas Woodin, Matt Kocourek, Campbell, Brandon Oakley, Scott Hantz, Nick Murgic and Rick Turner were next in line at the stripe. Oakley set quick time at 15:368, but pitted with an oil leak during the race.

The nightcap saw Steve Needles grab the win in the 100 lap ARCA Royal Truck and Trailer Sales outlaw-bodied Late Model Series feature race. Alex Rosenberry took the point on the start, only to have his car stall on lap 6, bringing out the yellow flag. Alex was pushed down pit road and Needles took the number one spot. Steve was very strong the entire distance. Several yellow flags for minor incidents slowed the action, but Needles was able to stay in control on the restarts, including holding off several challenges by Brad Riethmeyer. At the wheel of Brian Short’s number 18, Steve rolled to the win over Riethmeyer, Brent Jack, Jeff Ganus, Dennis Strickland, Nick Bailey, Dave Stehouwer, Chris Benson, Joe Hawes, Jimmie Ward Jr., RJ White, Harold Fair Jr., Nick Grodi and Rosenberry. Frankie Jiovani, Johnny Belott, Scott Pemberton, Jason LaDuke and Will Sahutzke did not start the event due to mechanical issues. Needles set the DTS Drive Train Specialists fast time at 15:009.