Harris ties record with 4th straight win

WEST LIBERTY – The task was a tall one.

Only two drivers in the 27-year history of the IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Summer Series had ever won four A-main feature races in a row. Brian Harris came into the race at West Liberty Raceway last night hoping to become the third.

After starting 10th and working his way past some of the best drivers in the series, he did just that.

“It feels good,” Harris said. “Everything's working superb with the chassis, the engine; my confidence coming into the race. It's the complete package.

“We're on top of the mountain. All these boys are trying to knock us off and I'm enjoying it while we're on top.”

Harris' win comes in his first season driving for car owner Lynn Richard. Despite living in two different towns – Harris in Davenport, Richard in Mt. Pleasant – the communication has been good, and the results speak for themselves.

“There's a lot of phone conversations, communication to get things the way that we want them,” Harris said. “It's been working out good. I feel fortunate for the situation I'm in.”

At the beginning of the season, Harris and Richard set goals, one being winning the Summer Series championship. Joining Gary Webb (1994) and Rob Toland (2004) as winners of four straight wasn't one of them, and despite the accomplishment, it's not something Harris is focusing on.

“I can't think about records,” Harris said. “If you put all that pressure on yourself, you get nervous and you can get yourself into trouble. I try not to think about that kind of stuff.”

Getting his fourth straight win wasn't easy.

Harris, the Summer Series points leader, had to deal with Andy Eckrich – the man currently second in Summer Series points – over a 10-lap stretch that saw the two swap the lead every other corner.

“People got their money's worth, that's for sure,” Eckrich said. “Me and Harris have done this against each other for the last five years. We respect each other.”

The legitimacy of the streak is unquestioned. Summer Series director Kevin Yoder said he hasn't heard much from competitors because of the strict technical inspection that happens after every race. Eckrich, who finished second ahead of Justin Kay in third, echoed that sentiment, as well.

“If someone's trying to say they're lucky or cheating – they're not,” Eckrich said. “They did it the hard way, and they deserve the respect. We're just going to have to beat them.”

Harris and the Summer Series next head to Independence Speedway on July 2, where Harris will shoot for the record of five wins in a row. Despite not logging many laps there in recent years, Harris said he's not feeling any pressure.

“My job is to go out and get the win,” Harris said. “As well as our car is (running), I'm not concerned about any track. It's that good.”