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Leaty in Top 10 Again at NHIS After a disappointing qualifying effort (24th), the team went back to the drawing board and came up with some changes for the 100 mile event on the "Magic Mile." Leaty later said the handling of his Pace Electronics/Heluva Good Foods Pontiac was "awesome." In a race that was relatively caution free (3 cautions for 11 laps), he move steadily to the front from the green flag. In the last 10 laps, he was able to crack the top 10 after battling with Rookie of the Race Doug Coby. Then, after passing Fred Vordemeier, Leaty and former series champion Mike Stefanik battled for several laps. When Stefanik was finally able to make the pass, he took the air off Leaty's front spoiler, and Leaty's car pushed to and brushed the wall exiting turn four. The damage was not significant, and Leaty set his sights on Jerry Marquis. The two fought side-by-side and nose-to-tail, with Leaty grabbing the eighth spot with one lap to go. He held off Marguis and followed series point leader Todd Szegedy to the checkered flag. The race was won by John Blewett, III. With his charge to the front, Leaty won the "Powerade Power Move of the Race" Award. Leaty has always run well at New Hampshire. This trend has continued while driving for Branich Motorsports. With his 8th place finish, he has had 3 top ten finishes in five races for Branich at NHIS, including a victory in the 2002 New England 100. In addition, while running 7th in the 2003 spring race, a flat left rear tire with 8 laps to go probably cost the team another top 10 finish. Overall, the team has been strong during the month of August and September this year, with two top five and three top ten finishes in their last three races. The Branich modified team will travel to Oswego Speedway next week for the 53rd Annual Sunoco Modified Race of Champions 200-lap event. For more information about Leaty, Branich Motorsports, and their marketing partners, visit the team website at www.speedwayad.com/BranichMod. |
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