SWANSON TAKES SYRACUSE & 2ND SILVER CROWN TITLE

Kody Swanson capped his second consecutive USAC Silver Crown Championship Saturday, winning the “Salt City 78” series finale at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The “NAPA Super Dirt Week” weekend was billed as the Finale at the Fairgrounds, signaling an end to motorsports at the historic one-mile oval.

Swanson, of Kingsburg, Calif., ran down Shane Cockrum on lap 55 and led the final 24 circuits in his Radio Hospital/Hampshire Racing Enterprises Maxim/Chevy. The title was also the second straight for car owners DePalma Motorsports of Lima, Ohio.

Swanson started second next to ProSource fast qualifier Justin Grant, who led the first nine laps. Cockrum took over on lap 10 and held the lead until Swanson’s bonsai run into turn one 44 laps later. Cockrum held on for the runner-up spot at the checkered flag ahead of Chris Windom, Shane Cottle and local favorite Stewart Friesen.

Swanson repeated all of his 2014 mile-track victories this year and finished the season with a 142-point cushion over series runner-up Jerry Coons Jr., who finished seventh Saturday.

Friday’s scheduled practice and qualifications were postponed by rain and held on Saturday morning.