This week at Phoenix, the Jumpboost Racing League OG’s found out the hard way that this track is not something to be taken lightly. Our 156 lap race here saw 7 cautions for a total of 28 laps.

The first caution of the day came out of turn 2 on the first lap when Derek Allen and the #79 Dr. Pepper Ford lost grip and spun collecting the race leader, Eric Wolfe up in the process. The damage for both cars was minimal and they were both able to proceed with just some light body damage.

Derek Allen and his teammate Orry Perce also found themselves in trouble early on. Allen, had trouble in turn 2 on and off during the race and in this restart found himself collecting the #99 of Perce and #46 of Ganczewski. The wreck itself, brought out another caution on the day and pulled both Allen and Perce off the track for a short period of time for repairs.

Blake Thomas may also find himself in hot water when getting to the garage area with his teammate Eric Wolfe and the #51 Rowdy Energy Toyota this week. After an absolutely dominant performance from Wolfe, who had led 106 laps until that point, and a late race caution, the teammates found themselves in positions 1 and 2 on a restart. These two drivers had spent all day racing with each other, Wolfe being great off of restarts with fresh tires and Thomas finding himself being much faster in the long run.

Coming into turn two, Thomas found himself fishtailing towards the inside wall. After saving his #5 Farmers Insurance Toyota from clipping the inside wall, he found himself sliding up the track at the race leader with his rear bumper. Wolfe was unable to get past the slide and was collected in an accident with Thomas. This led to severe damage to Wolfe’s Toyota and Thomas, who still had a fast repair left, was able to get back out on track.

Wolfe could be heard pulling into pit lane over his radio saying “It’s killed, but I’ll be damned if we aren’t getting back out there and finishing this race..” The car, definitely in rough shape with steering issues, was allowed to return to the track after some optional repairs and finished on the lead lap.

Thomas was happy with the win, but not the circumstances it came under. When talking with Blake after his win, he said “It always feels good to win.. But not like that, especially when it’s a teammate that you take out.. I just saw his run and when to protect the line, totally on me.. I feel awful about it.. Definitely gonna do what I can to make it up later this season though.”

Wolfe, at his hauler could be heard speaking with Thomas afterwards and said “It is what it is.. I would rather finish the race, regardless of position and just push forwards. Can’t change it now. That’s racing.”

Moving forward, we hope to see the Rowdy Energy Team continuing their success together as well as pushing each other as drivers.

Next week the Gen 6 OG’s League will be at Atlanta! Keep an eye out for updates and broadcast information.