By Shawn Wood
SELINSGROVE -- Pat Ward made an opening-night statement that's he will be a solid contender for his fourth straight Race of Champions modified title when he rallied to repeat as the winner of the 358 modified race at Selinsgrove Speedway on Friday night.
The third annual Icebreaker III Race of Champions big block modified opener takes place today at 4 . with the gates opening at 2 p.m.
Ward, of Genoa, N.Y., who led all 25 laps last year, had to rally for the win on Friday night.
Ward took the win over Doug Manmiller by nearly two seconds. Ronnie Johnson, Danny Johnson and Ryan Godown rounded out the top five.
Ward's early-race lead was short-lived as Rick Laubach brought out the caution on lap one as he slowed to a stop on the back stretch.
Ray Swinehart, who started fifth, powered around the outside of Ward coming off turn two on the restart. Ward was able to get back by Swinehart on a lap-five restart as the two came off turn two.
Ward would then have to hold off a tenacious challenge from seven-time and defending Big Diamond Raceway champion Duane Howard for the during the middle portion of the race.
"The track was super fast and my guys did a great job and we are ready to go again this year," Ward said. "Ray was fast, but as soon as the track slicked up, I was able to about flat-foot it around here."
"I liked to win two in a row here and our big block was super fast in practice."
Howard led a contingent of Big Diamond Raceway regulars in the top five before his night came to an end with a flat tire on the lap 20 restart.
Sixth through 10 were Billy Decker, Swinehart, Tom Umbenhauer, Richie Pratt, Jr. and Stewart Friesen.
Heats for the 57 358 modifieds went to Decker, Howard, Swinehart, Michael Storms, Jeff Strunk and Ward.
Howard broke his own eight-lap track record from last year by a little more than two seconds, touring the half-mile in 2 minutes and 43.123 seconds. Consolation events were won by David Van Horn, Troy Wink and Richie Pratt, Jr.
Twenty-six big block modified teams took part in several practice sessions during the evening in preparation for today's race. Brett Hearn was the fastest in practice with a lap of 20.107 seconds. Hearn broke during his heat race and did not make the 358 feature.
