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BITHLO, FLORIDA - Dick Anderson won the FASCAR Sunbelt
Super Late Model Series Orlando Dodge 125 on Friday
night at Orlando SpeedWorld, but it appeared to be no
easy task for the defending FASCAR Sunbelt Series
champion.
Anderson of Wildwood, FL, driving the Simmons Construction
Chevrolet, also set fast time on the three-eights mile
Orlando oval with a second lap run of 13.465 seconds or
100.26 mph andlet 24 starting cars to green.
When Anderson, who won the first five Sunbelt races in
2001, climbed from his ride in the pit area after leading
all 125 laps, he looked like he had been in a war. This
was the winners first victory of 2002 and he had done all
that was necessary to win.
"The car stayed the same all night," said an apparently
tired Anderson. "The field just got worse."
When Anderson drew 0 and started on the pole many thought
this race would be history quickly, but not Justin Drawdy
of Ft. Pierce, Fl, who finished second, driving the Drawdy
Brothers Construction Chevrolet. Drawdy certainly had
the right setup and was race-quickest, but dropped off
the pace when his tires showed late race wear.
"I ran the car too hard early when I should've saved it
for the end," said Drawdy. "Anderson was pushing hard
going into the fourth turn and I went after him too
soon."
Anderson took the point on the start and by lap 3 was
followed by Drawdy, David Rogers of Orlando, FL and
James Powell of Astor, Fl, driving the Natural Difference
ride. Powell would finish third after issuing early
challenges of his own on Rogers.
"The car was coming back to us late, but it didn't work
out, because it was just too late," said Powell.
Anderson hadhis car pushing going into turn four with a
flying Drawdy just unable to complete a clean pass.
Rogers sat back just a couple of car lengths waiting
his time.
This same scenario of nose-to-tail racing by the top
running Anderson, Drawdy and Rogers, driving his TM
Ranch Dodge would be repeated during several cautions,
but later in the race Anderson would outlast all his
challengers opening a comfortable lead during the
waning laps.
Anderson, Drawdy and Rogers were still in control at
lap 50 with Powell still waiting his chance for a quick
move. Michael Williams of Mims, Fl in the South 40
Motorsports ride was running a smooth fifth.
The running order remained the same through several
additional race cautions. There were seven total yellow
flags.
The running order changed in lap 90 when Rogers took his
Dodge into the infield with harmonic balancer problems
with Powell, who quickly filled the third place spot.
Anderson crossed the stripe with a comfortable lead with
Drawdy and Powell following.
Rounding out the top five were Williams and Mike Good of
Lake Mary, Fl. driving the Briar Corporation ride.
The next 2002 FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model Series 125
will be June 15 at Charlotte County Speedway in Punta
Gorda, Fl.
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