MADISON, ILL–  After qualifying second, John Hunter-Nemechek led all but one lap en route to win the opening stage for the Drivin’ for Lineman 200 from Gateway Motorsports Park.

The Nemco Motorsports driver and team are trying to use the same strategy as they did the last time raced at Gateway.

“Definitely a call that Gere Kennon used, same strategy we had here last year, it worked pretty well and got us up front at the end.” Hunter-Nemechek said. “I can’t thank my NEMCO Motorsports guys enough. They’ve given me an awesome truck so hopefully we can get through traffic, keep the nose clean and be there at the end.”

Chase Briscoe, who won his second pole of the season, was passed by Hunter-Nemechek going into turn 3 on the opening lap and tried as he might, just couldn’t muster up the grip to pass the No.8 truck.

Matt Crafton raced his way up to third, defending race winner Christopher Bell in fourth and Ryan Truex rounding out the top-5.

Todd Gilliland, Austin Cindric, Johnny Sauter, Justin Haley and Ben Rhodes round out rest of the top 10.

The only caution flag flew and it was for the end of the stage.

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Rence Brown is Race Chaser Online’s West Coast-based correspondent, who currently resides in California and carries a deep passion for NASCAR, but is a follower of multiple forms of auto racing across multiple disciplines. He will say how he feels and will call it like he sees it and isn’t afraid of criticism.

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