HIALEAH, Fla. - Hialeah Speedway dodged a bullet and roared back to life Saturday night with veteran Bobby Beauchemin the winner of the headlined 20-lap late model sportsman feature event.

Closed for three weeks while new management was put in place, the historic Miami-area oval reopened to a great crowd and overflowing enthusiasm among all in attendance. Beauchemin, a winner here earlier in the season, patiently worked his way from the rear of the 10 car field before passing Steve Weaver,Jr for the lead on lap three.

From then on it was no contest as Beauchemin distanced himself from second place Gary McGoron. Point leader Bob Regula claimed third money over David Weaver and David Myer. Defending street stock champion John Covington inherited the lead from Ray Guitroz on lap four and never looked back to register his second win of the season in the 20 lap main. Mike Orth put plenty of pressure on Covington in the late laps but settled for second spot spot over Bob Hogan, Ron Wilson and Curt Haywood.

Tim Jones proved to be the master of traffic in the mini stocks as he bobbed and weaved to the lead and eventual first win of the season. Robert Goldsbury led early, but Jones had his Toyota in top form and went in frontto stay on lap six. David Russell checkered second over new point leader Kenny Strong, Steve Quick and Ken Chaiser.

Cyclone point leader Roger Bohannon padded his margin with a strong performance in the 25 lap feature. Judy Crowder and C.J. Haycraft led early but Bohannon finally put his Chevy in front on lap 16 and never looked back. Haycraft had his best career drive for runner-up honors over Charles Whitehouse, David Drury and J.R. Fitch.

Michel Fortin bested the visiting dwarf cars over Alain Paradis and hisson Brain Paradis.

-By Marty Little


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