SidelineStrategy.com Derby - St Louis, MO
Consolation Heat
Tom Gariepy, Chris Henton, Charlie Clayton, Bill Malbrough, Phillip Ruffin, Bambi Rogers, Danny Krol, Sam Harbin, Darryl Lozier, Ben Hadsell, Will Thompson, Ed Smith,
Although Tom Gariepy was able to get his car to the start of the consolation heat after a fire forced his exit from heat three, the trend continued when Phillip Ruffin's (9th Ides of March, 8th Big Apple Smash Up) vehicle caught alight after he hit Danny Krol. And after the exits at the five minute mark of final-less Bill Malbrough - Charlie Clayton his executioner - and Ed Smith - Darryl Lozier cleaning up after Smith stalled - the race went from nine cars to three finalists in just over a minute.
It all started when five-time finalist Danny Krol (4th Jersey, 3rd Summer Sizzler) freed himself from an early encounter with the barriers before going to battle with Sam Harbin, a fight he could not win, and Ben Hadsell (1st Frostbite) was right behind him, the runner-up of the past two weeks quickly suffering after his encounters with Lozier who hit both Hadsell and Krol twice to help them on their way.
The final four eliminations were rapid fire. While Chris Henton (1st Spring Fling, 5th Summer National) was busy attempting to bring down Will Thompson he had Bambi Rogers and Charlie Clayton perusing him to the end, and Tom Gariepy (tied-2nd Valentine's Day Massacre, 1st Wisconsin, 5th Idaho, 5th Jersey) misses a sixth final in seven events (11th Indy Nationals) as his early avoidance strategy was countered by a mass attack led by Thompson who struck him three times.
Charlie Clayton's streak of finals ends at three weeks (12th Summer National, 5th Texas, 8th Louisiana) despite only being the target on two occasions, his six hits on five opponents not ultimately aiding his cause, and finally it all ended with the final blow when Bambi Rogers and Sam Harbin came together that cost Rogers her debut final by the slimmest of margins.
Sam Harbin is fortunate to move on into his sixth final, and first appearance in seven rounds, re-firing on an early stall and then hitting four drivers while taking four hits himself. Darryl Lozier looked master of his own destiny throughout with a well prepared car, six hits on four competitors and, despite his reputation and standing this season, he only had to survive four strikes. The last man through is Will Thompson who, after missing his first final in seven weeks at the Louisiana Invitational, survived a lengthy stall at the start before rampaging over Gariepy to resume his quest for the title.
Race Result
Q. Sam Harbin
Q. Darryl Lozier
Q. Will Thompson
4. Bambi Rogers
5. Charlie Clayton
6. Tom Gariepy
7. Chris Henton
8. Ben Hadsell
9. Danny Krol
10. Ed Smith
11. Bill Malbrough
12. Phillip Ruffin
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