|
| RAHMAN SWEEPS SOUTH 40 CLASSICS AT COLUMBIA MOTORSPORTS PARK | By Dave Westerman
Clermont's Jim Rahman finally had some luck go his way, dominating the evening as the South 40 Motorsports Classic Auto Racing Series paid a return visit to Columbia Motorsports Park near Lake City.
With several drivers from the Appalachiacola River Racing Club in attendance, three heats were necessary and the fireworks started early.
The ARRC drivers ran a seperate heat but were unable to complete the first straightaway before Tim Peavy and Glen Hagan tangled with Peavy tagging the wall and Hagan sailing off the turn one banking. Neither driver was hurt but both were done for the night. Clinton Mears edged Randy McClendon for the win once the race got underway.
Rahman easily won heat race number two while ageless "Granpa" Mo Davenport, making his last start in the South 40 Classics, took the win in heat three. Seventeen cars took to the track for the 20 lap feature, but fourth starting Mike Albert pulled into the pits with no brakes. Mears took the early advantage from his pole starting spot. Second-starting Davenport experienced transmission problems and dropped back quickly. Before the first lap could be completed, Al Hagan looped his car out of turn four and was collected by Rodney Eary. A complete restart was ordered as Eary retired his car with suspension damage. Hagan's car wasn't severely damaged, but his machine wouldn't re-fire and he went to the pits with a dead battery.
The second start was a copy of the first with Mears jumping out front and Davenport dropping back swiftly with continuing transmission woes. Ed Yates slipped high off the track in turn three and flew out into the "north forty," planted a few seeds, and got back on the track just in front of the leaders.
Things got wild on the frontstretch as the field completed lap three. Danny Shearer tried to get under Mears for the lead and the two touched. As Shearer let off the gas, Randy McClendon rode over Shearer's machine tearing the rear wheel off McClendon's mount. As McClendon's car sailed off the turn one bank, Eddie Thornton was forced into a trip to the boondocks to avoid him, fortunately without damage. McClendon was done for the evening while Shearer pitted and made a gutsy move out of the pits to stay on the lead lap just as the leaders were about to complete the first lap after the restart.
Shearer wouldn't have to wait long for a caution flag to come out to allow him to close the gap. Rahman dove under Mears to take the lead only to see Mears spin in turn one in front of the whole field. Nearly everyone made it by with the exception of Russ Antonucci who hit Mears a solid shot. Antonucci was forced out with front-end damage while Mears was able to continue but at the rear of the field.
The fans were finally treated to some green flag racing and it was obvious that nobody would have anything for Jim Rahman this night. Rahman pulled out to a comfortable lead as Thornton settled into second. All eyes were on Ed Yates and Danny Shearer who were passing cars right and left after using the cautions to help them keep pace with the field. Caution flew again on lap 14 as Bud Spencer slowed abruptly on the high side of the race track, a problem later diagnosed as being out of gas. Only a lap could be completed before Mears spun again in turn four to bring out the final yellow.
Thornton put a bit of pressure on Ranhman a the green flew, but Rahman steadily pulled away to his first win of the season in his Magic Electric coupe. Thornton continued his recent hot streak with a second place finish. Thornton has three wins and two seconds in his last five races. Ed Yates thrilled the crowd coming back from his lap one trip to the boonies to finish third a car-length behind Thornton. Shearer was even more impressive driving like a man possessed coming home fourth despite his cars' right front tire pointing toward Gainesville. Dan Hammerbeck had a steady and uneventful run to round out the top five. E.T. McGhee had his best run of the year to take sixth and claim the Fastwax Rookie of the Race award. George Hall, Jr. started 17th and last in the field and finished seventh to earn the Action Performance Hard Charger award. Mears, George Hall III, and Phillip Pooler rounded out the top ten.
The South 40 Motorsports Classic Auto Racing Series is back at Orlando Speedworld this coming Friday night to make up a race rained out two weeks ago.
OFFICIAL FINISH: Columbia Motorsports Park 8-11-01
1. Jim Rahman, Clermont #5 2. Eddie Thornton, Orlando, #4 3. Ed Yates, Orlando, #74 4. Danny Shearer, Melbourne #77 5. Dan Hammerbeck, Clermont #2 6. E.T. McGhee, Deland #1 7. George Hall, Jr., St. Petersburg #32 8. Clinton Mears, Blountstown #57 9. George Hall III, St. Petersburg #9 10. Phillip Pooler, Clarksville #11 11. Mo Davenport, Palm Bay #27 12. Bud Spencer, Palm Harbor #7 13. Russ Antonucci, Jacksonville #46 14. Randy McClendon, Blountstown #9X 15. Al Hagan, Merritt Island #6 16. Rodney Eary, Orlando #4X 17. Mike Albert, Winter Springs #24 18. Tim Peavy, Clarksville #55 19. Glen Hagan, Alachua #1B
Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
or send a letter to the editor!
|
