Trenton, New Jersey (February 23, 2024) – Billy Pauch Jr. of Frenchtown, New Jersey, emerged victorious in the BELFOR Property Restoration East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton on Friday night. Pauch’s win came after a dramatic turn of events involving a rule infraction that disqualified the perceived race winner, Josh Conover.

“I’ve run second and third here in Trenton a couple of times. It’s great to pick up a win, especially in front of a crowd close to my home,” Pauch shared when informed of his race win.

The 25-lap main event kicked off with Steven Snyder and Kyle Spence leading the pack to the green flag. Snyder wasted no time, jumping to an early lead, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.  Conover started in the third position and battled side-by-side with Snyder and Spence in the early stages of the event before a tussle moved both competitors out of contention for the win and handed an opportunity to Pauch Jr.

As the race progressed, Conover and Pauch emerged as the primary contenders. Lap after lap, the duo traded paint and jockeyed for position with Conover tiptoeing around the inside of the racetrack while Pauch maneuvered around the top — diving to the bottom searching for a lane to challenge for the win.

Pauch bested Conover with three laps remaining before the action slowed for the final time on lap 23. A pivotal restart allowed Conover to pounce, making contact with Pauch Jr. on the backstretch, then leading the field into turn three and ultimately to the checkered flag.

Conover celebrated in Victory Lane, excited for the best finish in Trenton, however, Conover’s celebrations were short-lived as tech officials discovered a tire infraction on his No. 17 machine, leading to disqualification. This turn of events secured Pauch Jr.’s victory and the winner’s share of the purse.

After the field was shuffled, Alex Bright finished in the second position, Briggs Danner in the third spot, Brian Carber in fourth and Zack Bealer in fifth from the 22^nd starting spot.

600cc Sprint Car Qualifying events were won by Tim Buckwalter, Joshua Conover, Marty Brian, and  Lavar Scott.  Christian Bruno bested Time Trial session 1 with a lap of 9.434 and Steven Snyder Jr. topped session 2 with a lap of 9.843.

The BELFOR Property Restoration East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals continues on Saturday, starting with E-Main action and concluding with the 600cc Sprint Car 50-Lap A-Main, paying $5,000 to the winner.

600cc Sprint Car A-Main (25 Laps) — 1. Billy Pauch Jr.  2. Alex Bright  3. Briggs Danner  4. Brian Carber  5. Zack Bealer  6. Eric Jennings  7. Billy Koch  8. Kenny Miller III  9. Anthony Perrego  10. Steven Snyder Jr.  11. Kyle Spence  12. Kyle Lick  13. Luke Thomas  14. Aidan Borden  15. Lavar Scott 16. Christian Bruno  17. Zack Weisenfluh  18. Dan Lane  19. Anthony Tramontana  20. Wayne Scott  21. Marty Brian  22. Cody West  23. Tim Buckwalter  24. Josh Conover (DQ)