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| Sizemore Converts Double Pole Positions Into Victory | by Jon Harney
SATSUMA, FL (3/23) - Marion Sizemore started both the Limited Late Model and the Modified feature from the pole position, took the lead going into the first turn, and led every lap in both races.
Sizemore had some competition in the Modified main as Jason Lowe had the strength to keep pace throughout the 25-lap event. Sizemore used excellent restarts and smooth driving on the bottom groove to deny Lowe the victory and pick up his third win this season. Lowe earned his third runner-up finish and was followed by Gary Sexton, Garland Spangler, and Chris Hammond.
The Limited Late Model race was an easier win for Sizemore as he had no problems outdistancing the field. Travis Rhoden ended a lengthy absence from the track to post a second place finish. J. O. Nobles finished directly behind Rhoden while Robbie Hager and Floyd Martin Jr. made up the balance of the top five.
Kenny Hall obliterated the Street Stock field as he took the lead on the first lap and never looked back. At one point he was a half lap ahead of the second place driver. The racing behind Hall was gritty and competitive as Billy Costello bopped his way to finish second. George Flanders escaped a late race melee for third while Steve Wortman and John Reiter survived for fourth and fifth honors.
A strong field of Hobby Stocks was bested by Ronnie Soltis as the defending Hobby Stock champion had too much strength for all. Soltis' only challenger was Brad Pilinko who kept up with the leader, but didn't have enough to mount a serious threat. After Soltis and Pilinko were Dave Dowling Jr., Mitch Wise, and Aaron McQuaig.
Ken Durham keeps knocking them off in Pure Stocks. He won his third in a row and his sixth in his last seven races. Mike Tripp was set to end this streak as he beat Durham on the start to grab the lead. Tripp's mount gave out on him early in the race, though, which paved the way for Durham. Ken's son Mike Durham ran well also and finished second a few short lengths behind. Bubba Watson was the best of the Non-Durhams in third, newcomer Scott Booth ran a respectable fourth, and Jason Pipkens recorded a career-high fifth.
Jake Hartley ended Mike Gibbs' winning streak by taking the Mini Stock feature. Gibbs was the best of the rest and beat Frank Andrews, Tim Lites, and John Hopke to the checkers.
Admission is half price for everyone on Saturday March 30 at Putnam County Speedway. The grandstands open at 4 PM and heat races begin at 7 PM.
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