Hobert Wins Fuel Mileage Gamble at Pocono
Nocturnal NASCAR Season 2, Week 3 headed to the "Tricky Triangle" at Pocono for a 40-lap showdown that ultimately came down to strategy, fuel conservation, and nerve.
The Early Pace
Fresh off a win at Las Vegas, #06 Nick Hapiak kept his momentum rolling by securing the PRS Pole Award. Hapiak controlled the early stages of the race, utilizing strong teamwork with his Juicy Spydr allies to hold off the charging field. However, #51 Austin Hobert made it clear early on that he had the pace to challenge for the top spot.
The Strategy Split
The complexion of the race changed when #41 Spencer Moody got loose exiting Turn 2, bringing out the event's only caution. This yellow flag forced the field into a split-strategy decision: pit for fresh rubber or stay out to gain track position?
#7 Jared Skinner gambled, staying out in anticipation of another caution. While this briefly vaulted him to the front, the long green-flag run that followed saw his older tires fade, allowing the fresh-tire cars of Hapiak and Hobert to carve their way back toward the lead.
The Finish
With 10 laps to go, #66 Donald Kight inherited the lead as the strategy played out. Kight showed blistering pace—earning the Fastest Lap of the Race—but he was fighting a losing battle against his fuel tank.
With Kight running dry in the final moments, Austin Hobert executed a masterclass in fuel saving. Hobert managed his gap perfectly, crossing the line 0.576 seconds ahead of Hapiak to take the checkered flag.
Race Results
#51 Austin Hobert (Winner)
#06 Nick Hapiak (PRS Pole Award)
#71 Christopher Hodges
#7 Jared Skinner
#26 Josh Adams
#66 Donald Kight (Fastest Lap)
#98 Andy Lewis
#22 Craig Martin
#41 Spencer Moody
#8 Brett Meyers
#24 Jarett Bolton
#11 Colin Guyer
#2 Justin Fisher
Quick Stats
Track: Pocono Raceway (40 Laps)
Cautions: 1
Lead Changes: 5
Margin of Victory: 0.576s
Next Stop:
Join us next week at Atlanta as the Nocturnal NASCAR series continues its hunt for the championship!
