Springfield, Ohio’s Aaron Lefflel captured Friday night’s USAC Midwest Thunder/Engler IMRA SpeeD2 Midwest Winter Nationals opener at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin.

The three-time Midwest Thunder champion, led from start to finish in the non-points special event feature that was shortened from 20 laps to 14 due to a 20-minute time limit.  Leffel was followed to the line by Sean Murphy, Andy Baugh, Brandon Smith and Alex Watson, who rounded out the top-five.