Rookie Tennant wins in his first start

PANDORA, Oh. — After much anticipation, the Taco Bell 200 was run on June 28, 2019, after multiple postponements due to weather. The race got off to a fast start, with John Saffle posting the Naturday Quicktime of the night with a 14.170 second lap. This is John's first quicktime at Putnam International Trailway, and the second fastest qualifying time ever posted to the track. Qualifying was fast all around, with 4 cars breaking into the 14 second bracket.

With a little luck during the inversion draw, Cory Hosler, in his second ever race, and rookie Trevor Tennant starting on Row 1 and for the A-Main. Racing got dicey, with several cars penalized for excessive contact and violating track limits. John Saffle was disqualified for the night after two infractions, and a battle for second place ended up collecting the cars of Bill Saffle, Zach Meyer, and Cory Hosler. Bill Saffle was able to salvage his night and finish fifth, with Meyer and Hosler both done for the night. Old Mil 30 winner and points leader James O'Berry, after a having a flat earlier in the race, was able to rally to a seventh place finish.

When the checkered flag dropped, it was the red and white stars and stripes of rookie Trevor Tennant who led the way, becoming the first driver since Derek Diller in 2017 to win in his debut at Putnam International Trailway. Tennant was followed closely by PIT veterans Chris Siefker and Don Haley, who were able to avoid penalties and accidents on their march from 6th and 7th place up to podium finishes. The hard chargers of the night were Siefker and Derek Campbell, who each went +5 on the night.

O'Berry's rally to 7th place was able to keep him atop the points standings with 12 points, tied with Bill Saffle. Rookie Trevor Tennant moved to third place with 10 points. 2017 PIT champion and all time win record holder Derek Diller saw his 2019 woes continue, with his 11th place finish dropping him to 8th in standings.

Putnam International Trailway's next race is the Summer Sizzler on 7L, which is scheduled for July 27. Track owner Drew Meyer has been quoted as saying he's excited for the event, citing increased attendance for summer races. He also stated that while no further suspensions or penalties will be issued from the Taco Bell 200, drivers will be warned before the next race about penalties for excessive contact or violating track limits.

For full race results: 2019 Taco Bell 200 Race Results