(CHASE RACE #7) Overwatch 200 @ Iowa Speedway

by **BJA95** Tue Nov 07, 2017 4:43 am

Vance takes second straight to deny chase drivers

Evie Vance took a win away from the remaining chase drivers for the second week in a row as she lead the most laps to take victory at Iowa Speedway. Vance, who was one of the drivers to run a special scheme related to race sponsor Overwatch, took the lead after polesitter Caitlin Conway's car gave up the ghost after 78 laps, and never looked back, despite charges from Casey Lester and Dean Donohue; both looking for their first win. Chase competitor Ruby McBrien and Ben Atkins rounded out the top 5.

Vance has now tied Grant Macintosh for the most wins this season with five, and has stormed back into the top 10 in points with her victory. Vance, who claimed she was driving for her career after her victory at Talladega, was evidently shocked by her victory.

"This one's a bit of a shock to me since I've not been good at the short tracks this year," said Vance, "We had short run pace, but I thought Casey or Dean would have had me at the end, but we pulled away at the beginning of the run just enough to keep them at bay."

"I feel bad for Grant from last week now! If I knew I was going to win this week, I would have raced him to the end. This is good for me, though. It's a confidence boost I really needed, and I'm getting my name out there!"

Dean Donohue, who took his career best finish of third, and second top 5 of the year, was encouraged by his pace, and admitted he was not prepared for a good run today.

"I had a thought in the back of my mind that we were gonna win that at the end, but Evie did a good job at defending. Casey didn't want to give the bumper at the end there I guess and I get it, but I totally would have, and I'm sure Evie would have in his position too. Hopefully we can earn one in the next couple of weeks."

Ben Atkins also enjoyed some much needed success at Iowa with a top 5 run, and he dropped a hint about his teams lineup for next year.

"We had a great D.Va Chevrolet today, shame we didn't win because I was gonna drop some sick D.Va voice lines there. I'm happy for Evie, though. She's one of the most impressive drivers I've seen this year. You don't win 5 races in your rookie year by chance. I know she's shy of sponsorship but she'd be a great pickup for a team next year."

Next week, the round of 8 will continue at the fourth triple crown event of the year at Michigan International Speedway.

Results:

Chase Standings:

Points: