Eric Kormann Pockets PPB First-Time Winner Bonus For Thunder On The Hill Mod Win At Grandview Tuesday

Story By: BOB MILLER / THUNDER ON THE HILL – BECHTELSVILLE, PA – It was a night of firsts at Bechtelsville’s Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night as fans witnessed the first NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series victory for Eric Kormann in the NASCAR 358 Modifieds.

For Kormann, the 30 lap Modified feature paid $3,000 to win and with Pioneer Pole Buildings posting a $2,000 bonus for a first time winner, his take was $5,000 for his first career Thunder on the Hill Modified victory.

The Vineland, NJ driver started on the pole of the event and held off a hard charge from Grandview regulars Louden Reimert and Jeff Strunk to pick up the win.

The caution flew on lap 7 when Brett Kressley spun and then again on lap 10 when a four pile-up slowed the action for the final time.

As the laps ticked buy, Kormann ran a flawless race with Reimert and Strunk within striking distance with the completion of each lap. With just five laps remaining, Reimert made a run for the lead, then had to regroup to keep from giving up the runner spot to Jeff Strunk.

Kormann’s win marked his first career win at the Grandview Speedway. Louden Reimert finished in second, Jeff Strunk in third, Billy Pauch Jr. in fourth and Duane Howard in fifth.

Just like Briggs Danner in the USAC National Sprint Car A-Main, Kormann delivered an emotional victory lane celebration with confetti and champagne covering his car as he held the Pioneer Pole Building Winners Check. Bob Greene of Pioneer Pole Building joined Kormann in the victory lane photo shoot.

The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series continues on Tuesday, July 2 with the $10,000-to-win Hodnett Cup presented by HVAC Partners for Business as part of Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek, with action from both the 410 Sprint Cars and the NASCAR 358 Modifieds.

NASCAR 358 Modifieds (34 cars)

Heat 1 (10 Laps) – 1. Louden Reimert 2. Bobby Trapper Jr. 3. Duane Howard 4. Eddie Strada 5. Craig Von Dohren 6. Paul Mancini

Heat 2 (10 Laps ) – 1. Eric Kormann 2. Alex Yankowski 3. John Willman 4. Cody Manmiller 5. Brett Kressley 6. Rick Laubach

Heat 3 (10 Laps) – 1. Dan Bouc 2. Chris Esposito 3. Billy Pauch Jr. 4. Jeff Strunk 5. Ryan Watt 6. Mike Gular

Consi (10 Laps) – 1. Matt Stangle 2. Jesse Hirthler 3. Ron Haring Jr. 4. Justin Grim 5. Tim Buckwalter 6. Doug Manmiller

Feature (30 Laps) – 1. Eric Kormann 2. Louden Reimert 3. Jeff Strunk 4. Billy Pauch Jr. 5. Duane Howard 6. Alex Yankowski 7. Brett Kressley 8. Cody Manmiller 9. Mike Gular 10. Danny Bouc 11. Craig Von Dohren 12. Doug Manmiler 13. Bobby Trapper Jr. 14. Matt Stangle 15. Timmy Buckwalter 16. Jesse Hirthler 17. John Willman 18. Ryan Watt 19. Chris Esposito 20. Eddie Strada 21. Rick Laubach 22. Ron Haring Jr. 23. Justin Grim DNS: Paul Mancini