As 2023 drew to a close, a trio of drivers continued to prove they’re the ones to beat in PGRL competition. Ending the year tied at six wins apiece, Colton Salek, Scott Eckrich, and Jeff Ward look primed to carry their momentum into 2024. But the road ahead may be dotted with first-time winners, as Chris Stofer showed at Pocono. Let’s recap a pretty good December!
DOVER: Eckrich Spins & Wins; Salek Surges in Closing Stages
Getting turned is one way to get off sequence on tires. For Scott Eckrich at Dover, pointing backwards down the front stretch turned out to be a pretty good strategy. The #70 bolted on fresh tires, roared to the front, and survived a string of late-race restarts to take the checkers P1 in Race 1.
Aside from one incident, Race 2 went clean and green. Colton Salek pulled off a masterful overcut, chasing down the leaders and wrestling the lead away from Scott Eckrich with just five to go.
NORTH WILKESBORO: No Cautions, No Problem for Ward & Eckrich
PGRL introduced a new short track package at North Wilkesboro, running with cautions off. While all drivers could go the distance on fuel, tire strategy came into play. In Race 1, staying out was the way to go, and Jeff Ward parked it in Victory Lane.
In Race 2, more drivers were willing to gamble, including race leader Scott Eckrich. With his fresh tires, Eckrich cruised to a comfortable win, finishing nearly 10 seconds ahead of Matt Taylor.
POCONO: Ward Holds Off Rasimas; Stofer Denies Salek
Jeff Ward is one of the first to say, “What Turn 4?” The driver of the #9 started on pole position in Race 1 and stayed in command for 31 circuits. While Mike Rasimas mounted a late-race charge, Ward kept the momentum rolling on the high side and held off his teammate for the win.
In Race 2, Chris Stofer parlayed a strong starting position into a race-winning strategy. Needing one fewer green-flag stop, Stofer passed Ward and Rasimas in the pits. He then out-duelled Colton Salek and Matt Taylor on track, earning a trip to PGRL Victory Lane for the first time.
POINTS IMPLICATIONS
Michael Chrobok began December with a 369 point lead, and after six more races, ended the month with a 362 point advantage. Jeff Ward moves into the runner up spot, followed by Salek, Johnathon Caddell, and Brian Yaczik.
THE MONTH AHEAD
PGRL kicks off January with back-to-back races in Florida. After Daytona and Homestead, the series moves up the East Coast, making a rare trip to Lime Rock Park. Then it’s off to Music City!
To catch all the pretty good action, tune into the Virtual Grip Network LIVE at 8:50pm ET every Tuesday on YouTube.