Hiiemaa fills pockets with feature win

Robert Hiiemaa received a big payday on Monday night by pocketing $1000 for his efforts behind the wheel of his late model stock car.

Running a tight inside lane around the track, Hiiemaa took an early lead he would never relinquish as the Heyden product captured a special 50 lap late model feature for $1000 at Laird International Raceway.

Monday's show, the eighth night of the season, was held as a make-up for one of several cancellations caused by inclement weather early in the season.

Hiiemaa, the defending track champion, held off charges by points leader Michael Gold and the Michigan Sault's Tim Aho in a fierce battle to the checkered flag.

Gold nearly made a pass on lap 39 when he tried to make a move on the inside of Hiiemaa in turns one and two.

But Gold clipped Hiiemaa forcing the veteran driver to spin onto the infield and causing starter Barry Myers to throw the caution flag send Gold to the rear of the field.

With Gold out of the mix, Aho moved up to second spot and desperately tried to make his move but Hiiemaa kept a tight line and held off his hard charging opponent.

Rod Bolduc Jr. and Gold rounded out the top four.

Hiiemaa started the night with a win in the four car dash over Aho, Bolduc and Gold, the night's fast qualifier. Gold captured both heat races.

In the factory stock division, Steve Kent made his return to LIR after a two night absence and swept the division with a win in the feature and both heats.

The victory marked the sixth feature win in six attempts this season for the Bar River driver.

Kevin Oicle swept the modified division while Mike Savino accomplished the same feat in the stock four division.

In the pure stock division, Joe Addison had a big night with a feature win to go with a victory in the second heat. Cottage Park, Michigan's Ray Golladay won the opening heat.

Action continues with a regular show this Thursday with qualifying beginning at 6 p.m. and racing to start at 7 p.m.

To visit the Laird website for complete official results and points standings, click here.