LAKEPORT — Gary Glenn of Orangevale moved one step closer to reeling in points leader Shannon Mansch in the 2006 WestCar Late Model Series championship Saturday night at the Lakeport Speedway.
Glenn captured the win during round eight of the 10-round touring series.
“We had our work cut out for us this time around,” Glenn said. “I”m glad it worked out.”
Glenn gained just two points as Mansch finished second in the event.
Pole-sitter Michael Clarke of Pleasanton led the first 16 laps around the quarter-mile oval before dropping out with engine overheating problems.
Mansch assumed the lead position in what shaped up to be a back-and-forth duel between the top cars. Glenn, who started fifth, moved past Randy Reeves of Modesto on lap 25 to take third.
A caution on lap 33 allowed Byron Gonzales of Carmichael to slip by Mansch as the field raced back to the line.
Gonzales and Mansch raced side by side through several restarts and lapped traffic until the major turning point of the race occurred on lap 43. Craig Swim of Orangevale spun in turn three and resumed action immediately in front of the leaders. Gonzales, Glenn and Mansch scattered, with Gonzales getting caught up in the crowd and hitting the wall in turn one.
“It was loose and the car wasn”t sticking,” Gonzales said. “It was a matter of time before Glenn and Mansch got around me.”
Mansch led Glenn on the restart while Gonzales fought back through the field. Glenn made several looks to the outside and took the lead on lap 56.
Chris Monez of Turlock, who won both the dash and the fast-time award, was unable to make any advances on Mansch or Glenn.
“All night we needed more bite,” Monez said. “The car didn”t hold in there. I had a third-place car.”
Glenn cruised home to the win, followed by Mansch, Monez, Reeves and Chet Danburg of Carson City, Nevada.
“This is one of the harder tracks to win at,” Glenn said, “and we won here both times. I have a good crew and a good car and the track tightened up great.”
Mansch now leads Glenn by 10 points entering the final two rounds for the WestCar series.
“I”m trying not to think about the championship,” Mansch said. “It is what it is and you have to go race by race.”
Glenn said he will carry momentum from Sat-urday”s win into Altamont on Aug. 12.
“I feel confident,” Glenn said. “I”m going to do my best and I will go out knowing I tried hard. Whoever wins this deal is going to deserve it. It won”t be handed to them.”
Gonzales recovered to finish eighth and still remains in striking distance for the title.
“I”m pleased with eighth,” Gonzales said. “It was not as bad as it could have been.”
