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| Hearn Burns DIRT Modifieds In 2002 Kickoff At Putnam County | SATSUMA, FL 2/8/02 - Brett Hearn absolutely decimated the field of DIRT Modifieds in their 30-lap feature at Putnam County Speedway. This was the inaugural race for the well-traveled series in 2002 and their first ever visit to the 3/8-mile facility. The result proved to be a hit for drivers and fans alike.
The feature saw Hearn blast from his starting spot inside the second row to overcome polesitter Ray Swinehart and Todd Burley in turn four and take what would be an uncontested lead. The nearly flawless performances turned in by the Modifieds in the heats and consolation race were replaced by numerous cautions as 24 cars battled for pecking order in the race that paid. Tim Fuller was able to follow in Hearn's tire tracks through traffic, yet once both were in the open it was obvious Hearn was in command as he repeatedly opened up sizable real estate during the numerous restarts.
The race settled down around the halfway point as the cars strung out and the drivers got a better feel for an unfamiliar track. J.R. Heffner and Tim McCreadie both teamed up to make an exciting run from the rear of the field and momentarily appeared to be a pair that could potentially catch the leader, unfortunately the early charge took its toll on both cars and the duo would wind up fifth and sixth respectively.
Hearn continued his blistering run and finished nearly a straightaway ahead of Fuller. Fuller was strong in his own right and was equally unchallenged for second. Burley fought off A. J. Romano for third. The remainder of the top ten consisted of Heffner, McCreadie, Steve Paine, Pat Ward, Butch Tittle, and Swinehart. Hearn picked up the first place hardware and $2000 for his 30 lap romp.
Winners in the 10 lap heat races were Hearn, Swinehart, and Burley. The consolation race was taken by Ward.
Hobby Stocks made their 2002 debut tonight with a 20-lap non-points event. Dave Dowling Sr. commandeered the lead on the first lap from polesitter George Richards but immediately met stiff opposition from 2001 Hobby Stock points champion Ronnie Soltis. The duo battled nose-to-tail through less than cooperative lapped traffic. Soltis, Dowling, and a lapped car made contact on the last lap which forced all drivers to struggle for control of their cars. Soltis recovered quickly enough to steal the win from Dowling by less than a length at the stripe. Richards followed the wild scramble for third and was trailed by James Heffner and Hardy Jarvis.
The remainder of the Putnam Winternational Schedule has been cancelled. According to General Manager Lance Ward, the Speedway still plans to open it's regular season on February 23rd with all the regular classes. The decision to cancel the remainder of the Winternational schedule was made late Saturday night, according to Ward, as a result of local Planning and Zoning problems combined with poor attendance.
The DIRT Modifieds will be at Volusia Speedway Park on Feb 12-16, 2002.
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