(CHASE RACE #8) Ganbaruby 200 @ Michigan

Dillinger steals Michigan after McBrien fault

The stars aligned for Matilda Dillinger today as she was able to take home victory after Ruby McBrien's car let her down in the closing stages of the race, leaving Dillinger an open road to take victory. Dillinger has already run a triple crown event this season; the Empire State 450 at New York, meaning the triple crown spot for the race was handed to the second place finisher, Kevin Miller, who bolstered his final four chances with his excellent finish.

Another driver doing good for their final four chances was third place finisher Ross Carter who was just three tenths behind Miller in the race for second place. Daniel Leckliter finished in the fourth position, while Gregory Hadaway, who won the truck race the day before, capped off an excellent weekend with a fifth place finish in the International Series. Rookie Darrell Williams also had a day to remember in what has been a season to forget, as his eighth place finish was his first top ten of the former Orlando City player's career.

The race was marred by an awful accident involving Ryan Truro Jr on lap 32, as Truro Jr was turned on the backstretch before his car careened into one of the wall openings with the passengers side of the car. Truro Jr needed to be cut out of the car, but was reportedly conscious and talking to medical officials at the scene. Grant Macintosh was also taken out in the accident, as his chase hopes took a hit.

Despite her car suffering a problem, Ruby McBrien still rebounded to finish tenth, while Bradley Carlisle finished just behind in eleventh, while Chiyo Minami finished sixteenth, Breyton Green twenty-first, and Ryan Matthews twenty-second.

With the results today, it is almost certain that we will see both Ruby McBrien and Kevin Miller in the final four, as they both sit 77 points above Bradley Carlisle in fifth, who will need a good result at Rockingham to make the race.

While Dillinger is no longer in the title fight, she insists that going for wins is still vital, and important for the team.

"We thrive off of getting wins," said Dillinger, "and while I won't be with this team next year, it would be wrong to just stop trying because I won't be here. There's still a lot to be accomplished and today's win was a great thing for the team."

Second place finisher, 52-year-old Kevin Miller, is looking at the opportunity to earn his first title since 2004, as the two time champion; his first title coming 19 years ago in 1998, is simply thankful to still be competitive.

"This is a hell of an achievement to get an old guy like me running as fast as I am!" said Miller, "Seriously... it's staggering to think that we could be in the final four. This is our 16th top ten this year in 28 races, so we've deserved it, for sure! Hopefully Breyton [Green] can make it too! It'll be a fun battle!"

"Who would have thought that you'd have a 17-year-old and a 52-year-old in the same title fight? It's amazing! Just another reason why I love this series!"

The 17-year-old in mention in Miller's interview, Ruby McBrien, was just as elated despite her problems today, but admits the nerves are getting to her.

"We... we can really do it!" said McBrien, "The car was fast but the tire went on it at the end... But we are tied for the points lead! If next week goes well... then there is a chance!"

Next week, eight will become four as the guys and girls of the STARS International Series will take on the high-banked 1 mile oval in North Carolina; Rockingham Speedway.

Results:

Chase Standings:

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