Punta Gorda, Florida. The Florida Pro Late Models paid their monthly visit to Charlotte County Speedway on May 20. Hot Shoes Ricky Carlton (Homasassa) and Daryl Shelnut (Fort Lauderdale) went into the race tied for the points lead as both had taken one win apiece so far this season. Carlton continued his success streak by posting fast time qualifying speed and by the 37th lap had taken the lead from Mike Franklin (Homestead). Carlton continued to lead with Shelnut and Smokin' Joe Sumasky (Lehigh Acres) battling for position further back. On the 64th lap the two cars wrecked hard into the wall resulting in Shelnut retiring from the race and being disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct involving Sumasky, who was able to continue racing. Carlton went on to take his second win a row and now holds the points lead by himself. Randy "Hondo" Fox (Lehigh Acres) finished second, followed by Franklin, Sumasky annd Eddie Hamby (Hollywood).

Scott Adema (Fort Myers) went into the Oldies 95 Open Wheel Modified feature points leader but a racing altercation with Ol'Man Dave Beckner (Naples) caused Adema's early retirement from the race. Ronny Barnett (Port Charlotte) went on to take the win, coming off a bad luck streak. He was followed by Chris Dean (Fort Myers) and 1999 Points Champion Chris "Big Fish" Turner (Naples). Barnett also took home a heat win, as did Kevin Williams (Port Charlotte).

The evening continued with Big Wheels Mini Stocks Points Leader Frank Welch (North Fort Myers) going to the rear in the feature after an on-track incident with Rookie Johnny Allen (Lehigh Acres). The feature winner was Chase Goodson (West Palm Beach) with Keith Risinger (Fort Myers) and Danny Yates (Cape Coral) rounding out the Top 3. Goodson and Steve Arnold (Cape Coral) were the heat winners.

Greg "Spiderman" Anderson (Port Charlotte) jumped out in front of the field at the start of the Q Country Pure Stocks race and never gave up the lead, managing to hold off both Points Leader Chuck Sweet (Port Charlotte) and "Outta My Way" Kay Jackson (Punta Gorda). The three finished in that order providing a good, clean, close race for CCS fans. Anderson also was a heat winner, as was "Gentleman" Jim Keating (Bonita Springs).

Cowboy Cadillacs Points Leader Don Van Acker (Punta Gorda) extended his points lead with yet another win in his fast Ford pick-up truck. Cheryl "The Pearl" Weaver (Port Charlotte) finished second, followed by Hugh Alexander (Punta Gorda). Vanacker and Alexander were the heat winners.

by Linda Jericka


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