Camargo, IL (6-12-09) by Kelly Brown - Public Relations Director – Cody Darrah is may be one of the youngest members of the PA Posse, but that does not mean he is not a quick learner. Tonight Darrah scored his first O’Reilly All Star win at Williams Grove Speedway, kicking off the three night battle between the All Stars and Posse this weekend.

When the green banner flew over tonight’s main event, it was Brian Leppo and Darrah starting their night on the front row. On the start, Leppo was able to get a jump going into Turn 1 and established himself in the top spot with Darrah, Stevie Smith, and Todd Shaffer in tow.

In the early laps of the event the young gun was sizing up Leppo, stalking him in every corner. He followed him with the patience of a jungle cat following its prey, getting ready to pounce. Darrah made his move on Lap 9 as he went low in Turn 2 and muscled his way down the back stretch leaving Leppo to defend the second position.

The first caution period of the night would begin on Lap 16 when the 89g of David Gravel slowed and came to a stop on the course. He would get restarted and join the field at the back. When the Green Flag flew Darrah would get the jump on the field with Todd Shaffer, Leppo and Tim Shaffer in close pursuit.

The racing action would be slowed again on Lap 21 when the 21 of Brian Montieth looped his car around in Turn 4 after his left front tire lost pressure. Taking evasive action to avoid contact with the 21 machine, David Gravel spun without anywhere else to go. On the restart it was Darrah, Todd Shaffer, and All Star points leader Tim Shaffer guiding the field to the Green Flag.  

When the race resumed, Todd Shaffer was now the one pursing the young racer, but Darrah was able to hold him off. Throughout the latter stages of the races Darrah and Shaffer were locked together in a thrilling battle for the win.

With the Checkered Flag looming in the distance, it was Darrah who picked up his first All Star win and his second career win at Williams Grove. He was followed to the finish line by Todd Shaffer, Greg Hodnett who got around Tim Shaffer for third with just a few laps to go and Alan Krimes.

Some of the drivers turning in great performances tonight included, Dale Blaney who was able to finish in the eighth position after starting the feature in 20th. Chad Layton also followed Blaney through out the event as he started one spot behind him and finished in the ninth position.

The O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will be back in action tomorrow night as the series continues its PA triple header. Next in line is Lincoln Speedway, before the All Stars cap off the weekend at Central PA Speedway. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.