M.G. Gajewski defends title in Flip Merwin Memorial at State Park Speedway

RIB MOUNTAIN - M.G. Gajewski left a clear message for himself in his stock car prior to the start of the Flip Merwin Memorial race on Thursday. 

"I've got patience written on my dash," the veteran driver said. "That definitely worked for me today."

Gajewski started eighth in the 70-lap Super Late Model feature at State Park Speedway, but took the lead for good midway through and held for his second straight win in the race which honors Merwin, who was killed in a snowmobile racing crash in 2003.

Neil Knobloc and Mark Mackesy finished second and third, respectively. 

RELATED: The Hammer' nails down his first Flip Merwin Memorial race title

Gajewski became the fourth individual to win the race multiple times since its inception in 2003. Chris Weinkauf (2005, '10), Mackesy (2011, '13) and Tim Sauter (2014-15) also have accomplished the feat as well. 

"It's unbelievable," said Gajewski. "I have been racing for almost 37 years and hadn't won a memorial (before 2017) . To do it two years in a row is incredible."

Gajewski dominated the race last June as he led all but 15 laps. He had to work for the title on Thursday as he maintained the lead despite two restarts in the final stretch of the race. 

The first restart came with 12 laps left after Justin Mondeik got into the back of Gawjeski coming out of the fourth turn and spun both cars out. Mondeik claimed responsibllity for the incident which allowed Gajewski to maintain first place for the restart. 

"What better thing can you ask for. Just awesome sportsmanship," Gajewski said of Mondeik. 

The second caution flew with five laps left and Gajewski held off Knoblock on the restart. 

"That was the toughest restart of the whole race," Gajewski said. "I just was able to get a nice jump (on it) kept my groove and kept running my lines."

Knoblock dominated the first half of the race as he led the first 35 laps before Gajewski passed him. The field took a pre-planned stop after 50 laps, and Gajewski held off Mackesy on the restart. 

Gajewski started near the back of the field but felt confident. 

"I felt I had a pretty good car," Gajewski said. "We got a good break at the beginning and got up to about sixth and the car just felt good the entire race. I didn't want to abuse the tires and kept waiting for (the field) to come to me. I didn't want to push it. They did come back to me. I just kept thiking, 'be patient'."