The Big-Block Modifieds return to New Egypt Speedway,this Saturday, after a one week absence. This will be the final episode, as far as points races, of the Billy Pauch show. It may also be the most exciting when one looks at the circumstances resulting from his dominant season.
It is not often a driver has a season like Pauch has had at New Egypt in 2011. His 13 wins are 11 more than any other driver has managed this year. In fact, only two drivers have managed to win more than one, Gary Butler, and Wade Hendrickson, with two each.
Those 13 wins have also allowed him to maintain an almost 100 point lead over his nearest competitor in the standings, Rick Laubach. With feature wins awarding 50 points the only way Laubach could take the track title would be if Pauch somehow never made it to the track. A minimum of 20 points is awarded to any driver attempting to qualify for an event at New Egypt. This means as soon as the Ling Trucking number 1 rolls onto the speedway's dirt surface, Billy Pauch will be the New Egypt Speedway 2011 Champion.
The situation Pauch finds himself in is quite unusual for a driver leading the points going into the final night of points-paying races, especially with twin-20's on the schedule. Most final nights require the points leader to be cautious all night. Looking to avoid getting wrecked all while maintaining the position he needs to not lose the title. Not Pauch, he can simply just race.
That fact alone may make this Saturday night at New Egypt the most exciting one of the entire season. Billy Pauch, based on points, will start the two features deep in the field, as he has most of the season. However, this weekend he will be able to take chances he may have not been willing to take in previous races. The NJ legend will be letting it all hang out, nothing to lose.
The points race being over essentially also plays into the hands of Pauch's fellow competitors on Saturday. They will not have to worry about racing him hard, fearing a mistake by them could cost him the title. This Saturday at New Egypt could be a wrecker or checker night for just about every car that takes the green, especially in the final 20 of the night.
Who would of thought Billy Pauch's dominance at New Egypt in 2011 could actually be a good thing for everyone on the final night of points there? The final episode of the Billy Pauch show for 2011 at New Egypt, may actually be the best of the season. One thing for certain is, once it's over we won't be able to wait to see what he can do for an encore in 2012.
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