| Southard, Cooper, Goolsby On Top at Bronson | By Rick Warren
It was a night to Honor and express our gratitude to our Nations’ Armed Forces, both past and present. A good number of Veterans and current service personnel were on hand for this night of racing, and were treated to an exciting show.
We had Veterans from WW2, Korea, Viet Nam, and Desert Storm, as well as those currently serving, and all branches of the Service were represented.
After watching some exciting heat races, the Military Personnel were Honored on the track, and were introduced to the fans.
The Owners, Staff, and Fans at Bronson Motor Speedway extend our deepest appreciation to all of our Military Personnel for your service to our Country, and for the Sacrifices you made to insure our Freedoms.
Intermission was over, and it was time to Race!! First up were the Open Wheel Modifieds. When the Green flag waved, Rick McManaway took the early lead, followed by Kevin Durden, Gary Southard, Glen Ervin and Buddy Hughes. Early in the race Southard worked his way into second place, and went to work on McManaway. After following for a few laps, Southard made a move on McManaway on the back straight, and took the lead going into turn three.
Durden then took up the chase, but encountered mechanical problems, and was forced to retire from the race. As Southard continued to lead, McManaway stayed within striking distance, while holding off the challenges of Buddy Hughes, and Gene Owen. Southard was up to the task, and held on for the win.
Next out of the Gate were the Sportsman racers. William Edwards led the field to the green flag with Rob Cooper in hard pursuit. Edwards continued to lead until lap 7 when Cooper was able to drive under Edwards off turn 2. Once Cooper took over the lead he put a good distance between first and second place, and went on to take the win. Edwards held on for second, followed by Bobby Dixon.
The Mini Stocks were up next, and put on a good race. Larry Goolsby took the lead early, and went unchallenged for the win, but there was some serious competition for second place. The racers of Josh Hars, Tom Jones, Don Faunce and Dave Westrich all had the idea that they should be in second place, and raced very hard to get there. In the end, Goolsby took home the checkered flag, followed by Westrich, Faunce, Jones and Hars.
Once again the Pure Stock division put on a great show, with lots of action, from one end of the track to the other. When the race started Larry Welters and Arnold Hughes raced side by side for the lead for the first lap, trying to take the lead.
Arthur Conquest was tight on their bumpers, and dove to the bottom of the track going into turn 3, and the racers were 3 wide thru the turn and down the front stretch, with Conquest coming out in front. Welters and Hughes continued to race side by side for several laps, until they made hard contact in turn 1, bringing out the caution flag. When the race restarted, Hughes was on the rear, and Welters took up pursuit of Conquest. Conquest went on to win followed by Welters, Tommy Ausburn, and Cliff Erhardt.
The V8 Bombers saw Michael Holbrook get his second win of the season, followed by Kevin Hodge and Billy Padgett.
Jeff Pittsley made it 2 in a row in the 4cyl Bombers, with John Hagans finishing second.
Mark your calanders, and plan to be with us at Bronson Motor Speedway on Saturday May 24, when the Open Wheel Modifieds return to the high banks for the Gulf Coast 50 lap event. Open practice for all classes will be held Friday night form 6pm to 10 pm. Hope to see you there!!
FINAL RESULTS
05-17-2003
OWM
1. # 39 Gary Southard
2. # 04 Rick McManaway
3. # 14 Buddy Hughes
4. # 11 Gene Owen
5. # 0 Glen Ervin
Sportsman
1. # 98 Rob Cooper
2. # 08 William Edwards
3. # 21 Bobby Dixon
4. # 19 Rick “Fireball” Maguire
5. # 13 Eddie Sapp
Mini Stock
1. # 27 Larry Goolsby
2. # 1 Dave Westrich
3. # 2 Don Faunce
4. # 60 Tom Jones
5. # 04 Josh Hars
Pure Stock
1. # 78 Arthur Conquest
2. # 58 Larry Welters Jr.
3. # 69 Tommy Ausburn
4. # 75 Cliff Erhardt
5. # 9 Daniel Pinner
V8 Bomber
1. # 00 Michael Holbrook
2. # 37 Kevin Hodge
3. # 27 Billy “StirFry” Padgett
4. # 71 David Knutson
5. # 96 Emmitt Bottoms
4 Cyl. Bombers
1. # 20 Jeff Pittsley
2. # 23 John Hagans
3. # 64 Clark Pittsley
4. # 78 Heather Stalker
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