Armstrong Captures Tony Elliott Classic
By Ken de la Bastide
ANDERSON, IN – After knocking at the door for two years, Dakoda Armstrong finally scored a victory with the 500 Sprint Car Tour.
Armstrong started third in the 24-car field chasing Taylor Ferns and fast qualifier Tyler Roahrig in the early stages of the 8th annual Tony Elliott Classic Saturday at Anderson Speedway.
On lap 46 when both Ferns and Roahrig slipped up the track in turn two, Armstrong powered underneath both of the front runners to claim the top spot.
The race was red-flagged on lap 53 when Donnie Adams Jr. and Jackson Macenko got together on the back straight while battling for the ninth spot.
From there Armstrong was able to drive away from the remainder of the field with Ferns and Roahrig battling for the second spot.
Armstrong went on to win by 4.4-seconds over Ferns with Roahrig finishing third and extending his point lead over fourth place finisher Kody Swanson with Caleb Amstrong finishing fifth.
“I had some help there,” Armstrong said of the crucial pass for the lead. “My car was really good, but it was hard to pass. I don't know if I could have got them, but I'll take a little assist from Tyler (Roahrig).
“The car was good, but the track was so green from what it normally is,” he said.
Ferns was disappointed with the second place finish.
“I reflected on the first race we had here when I started outside of Kyle (O'Gara). I wanted to capitalize on the start today by starting on the outside.
“The track got really slick mid-race,” Ferns said. “I really had my hands full and then my car came to me. I thought tonight was our night.”
Roahrig said he never want to start on the pole and go backwards.
“Our car was very so-so and I thought we got it better,” he said. 'We've got more work to do.”
The 500 Sprint Car Tour powered by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper stores closes out the 2023 campaign at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Oct. 14.
Roahrig set fast time during qualifications with Ferns posting the second quick time, allowing the two to start on the front row.
Ferns drove into the lead and was able to keep Roahrig at bay until lap 46.
Larry Kingseed Jr. captured the B-Main race followed by Shawn Bonar, Trey Burke and Justin Harper.
