Merchant leads wire-to-wire at Unity

UNITY – Bob Merchant of Ellsworth started on the pole for the Men’s Peanut division at Unity Raceway and held that spot from green to checkered flag in Thursday Thrillers action.

At one point, Merchant enjoyed nearly a half-track lead, with four lapped cars between him and second-place Richard Burrill of Ellsworth. On the restart after a caution, third-place driver John Kalel II of Orrington and Jim Folsom hit hard in the front stretch, drawing out the red flag. Although Kalel’s car landed on top of Folsom, neither driver was hurt, and the race was able to get back under way.

Burrill finished second, with Sam Whitmore of Corinna third.

OTHER UNITY RESULTS

Ramp Race: 1. Bryan Robbins, Montville, 2. Bob Morrey, 3. Mike St. Germaine, Auburn, 4. George Fernald, 5. Kevin Thompson, Garland; Backwards Race: 1. Brad Norris, Ellsworth, 2. Lee Griffin, Liberty, 3. Bob Seger, Jr., Frankfort 4. Mike St. Germaine, Auburn, 5. Al Libby, Brooks; Lady Peanuts: 1. Erin Evans, Waldo 2. Melissa Higgins, Hudson, 3. Billie Allen, Winterport 4. Ericka Bickford, Kenduskeag, 5. Sonja Menifield; Teen Thunder: 1. Andy Lehman, Ellsworth, 2. Sandy Greene, Clifton, 3. Kevin Seekins, Frankfort 4. Josh Johnson, 5. Dale Higgins, Montville; Wildcats: 1. Mike Moody, Woolwich, 2. Derek Pearson Glenburn, 3. Bruce Coulter Winterport, 4. Micky Landry Jr., Anson, 5. Mike Lynch, Winterport