Wednesday, November 12, 2003 | | Bronson Ends 2003 Season With Sunday Afternoon Show | By Rick Warren
The ground-pounding Open Wheel Modifieds were at Bronson Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon for the final event in the Gulf Coast Triple Classic Series.
It was also the final race for the Bronson Series regular Divisions, and would finalize the point standings for the year.
The pit was full and overflowed into the pit annex, with over 130 race cars in attendance. The fans were waiting for some great racing, and they were not disappointed.
The Modifieds were all anxious to go, and when it was time to race, these guys pit on a show.
See the Open Wheel Triple Classic Photo Gallery : Bronson Motor Speedway Nov, 9 2003
The Bronson Series Racers were as ready to race as the Mods were, and put on a wild show.
First out was the Mini – Stock Division, with 23 racers taking the green flag. And taking the green flag again. And again. And again.
It took 4 attempts and about 15 minutes to complete the first lap without a wreck, but once they got started, it was a great race.
Robbie Yoakam had his new racer on the track for the first time, and from his second row starting position, took the lead after a few short laps. Rick Sirmans came from a mid-pack starting position to challenge Yoakam for the lead in the closing laps.
Yoakam took the win, with Sirmans on his bumper for second. Third went to Dave Westrich, followed by Don Faunce and Ronnie Larson.
The Pure Stocks were next on the track, and they also had 23 racers take the green flag, and were a little more successful than the minis. They only needed 2 attempts to get the race underway, although the first crash eliminated the car of J.W. Farmer.
Richie Smith and Arthur Conquest got out front early, and both had their hands full, Smith trying to hold the lead, and Conquest trying to get by in every corner. Meanwhile Mike Baker was right behind them, waiting for a break or mistake by either driver.
A.J. Northrup and John Mamph were giving it all they had trying to get to the front, and last weeks winner, Bobby Johnson was making a charge from the back of the pack, hoping to see the winners circle one more time. The race ended with Smith edging out Conquest for the win, followed by Baker, Mamph and Northrup.
The Sportsman division fielded 16 racers for the start, and Arthur Conquest didn’t waste any time passing early leader Mike Hinegardner.
Conquest looked like he would sail to an easy win, but caution flags kept the field bunched up, and allowed Robbie Cooper time to get thru traffic and go to work on Conquest.
Cooper tried every lane on the track trying to get by Conquest, including the one that leaves a big white stripe down the side of your race car ! Conquest held on for the win, with Cooper a very close second, followed by Hinegardner, Charles Hornbeak, and Randy King.
Nineteen figure 8 racers took the green flag, and from start to finish it was non-stop action, from one end of the track to the other. There were several close calls at the crossing, and one big hit. There were tires, fenders , bumpers and other various race car parts littering the infield when these guys finished racing.
It was definitely a take no prisoners race. When all was said and done, and the checkered flag waved, Robbie Powell took first place. Ronnie Schreifels finished a very close second, followed by Robbie Hage, Ethan Nistok, who had to come back from the rear after an early race incident, and Steve Brown.
Kevin Hodge took top honors in the V-8 Bombers, capping his point winning season with a final race victory. Second went to Mike Carr, followed by Larry Triana , Willard Driggers and William Baker.
The 4 Cyl Bombers put on an exciting race, with Justin Durbin coming from the rear to nip Michael Stalnaker at the line to claim the victory. Terry Dunbar was third followed by Clark Pittsley and John Hagans.
For a complete report on this great race, check out this link.It will take you to the report written by KARNAC's Jane Smith, Ace Race Reporter. Final Results 11-09-2003
Mini Stock
1. # 8 Robbie Yoakam
2. #05 Rick Sirmans
3. #38 Dave Westrich
4. # 2 Don Faunce
5. #88 Ronnie Larson
6. #10 Jeff Stalnaker
7. #7x Mike Foley
8. #39 Ronnie Hicks
9. # 7 Clint Foley
10.#59 Chad Dixon
Pure Stock
1. #42 Richie Smith
2. #78 Arthur Conquest
3. #02 Mike Baker
4. #65 John Mamph
5. #25 A.J. Northrup
6. #16 Bobby Johnson
7. #77 Phillip Ottinger
8. #75 Cliff Erhardt
9. #99 Jim Peters
10.#17 Jason Holbrook
Sportsman
1. #78 Arthur Conquest
2. #98 Robbie Cooper
3. #20 Mike Hinegardner
4. #67 Charles Hornbeak
5. #54 Randy King
6. #69 Kimbo VanAernam
7. #71 David Knutson
8. #21 Bobby Dixon
9. #23 Edward Allen
10.#12 Rick McMehan
Figure 8
1. #25 Robbie Powell
2. #64 Ronnie Schreifels
3. #78 Robbie Hage
4. #27 Ethan Nistok
5. #99 Steve Brown
6. #81 Ken Crews
7. #15 Javon Cannon
8. #40 David Ross
9. # 6 Robert Aaron
10.#70 Rick Botts
V-8 Bomber
1. #37 Kevin Hodge
2.#46 Mike Carr
3. # 1 Larry Triana
4. #22 Willard Driggers
5. #08 William Baker
6. # 8 Reed Gard
7. #40 John Sullivan
8. #15 Ray White
9. #34 Ken Sheffield
4 Cyl. Bomber
1. #33 Justin Durbin
2. # 8 Michael Stalnaker
3. #72 Terry Dunbar
4. #64 Clark Pittsley
5. #23 John Hagans
6. # 6 Edward Frances
7. #01 Curtis Antis
8. #20 Jeff Pittsley
9. #911 John DeGeorge
10.#13 Joey Brinson Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!
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