By Ken de la Bastide

(May 5, 2013) - T.J. Reaid worked his way up from the eighth starting spot to lead the final 56 laps to win the Sell it Again Sam 125 event Saturday at Anderson Speedway for the ARCA/CRA Super Series.

Prior to the race Reaid said it was a tune-up for the $10,000 to win Stoops Freightliner Redbud 300 in July. He said the additional prize money would be attracting a large field of cars.

Reaid set fast time during qualifying and utilized the high groove early in the race to move up to the third spot behind early leader Bret Jack and Kyle Benjamin.

With an inversion of the fastest eight drivers, Jack started on the pole position and swapped the point with Benjamin over the first and second laps. Rick Turner was running third followed by Travis Braden and Anderson Bowen.

Unlike in previous Super Series events the first caution flag didn’t wave until lap 43 when Braden made contact with the rear bumper of Turner’s car, causing him to spin in turn four. Both drivers were relegated to the tail of the field.

On the Aerco Heating and Cooling restart Benjamin took the lead from Jack and stayed out front until he was passed by Reaid with an inside move entering turn one on lap 69.

There were only four caution flags during the first 99 laps, but the yellow flag was displayed four times between lap 99 and 105, the most serious incident taking place on lap 105 when Turner, with a right rear tire going flat, made contact with Bowen. Bowen’s car ended up pinned to the outside retaining wall on the front straight.

With 20 laps remaining Reaid was leading local favorite Joe Beaver, Benjamin, Kenny Tweedy and Jack. Benjamin nudged Beaver out of the low groove on lap 116 in turn one to claim the second spot.

The ninth caution flag waved on lap 122 when Jay Niewiek spun in turn four, which set up a three lap shoot-out to the finish.

Benjamin made a final charge for the win, but slipped entering turn one on lap 123 which allowed Reaid to cement the victory.

Benjamin finished second followed by Beaver, Tweedy and Jack.

With the victory Reaid picked up a $500 bonus for winning after setting the fast time during qualifications.