SATSUMA, FL (5/10) - Kenny Hall quickly took command of the 18-car field in the Street Stock feature at Putnam County Speedway. His reign, however, was brief as he and Ronnie Soltis tangled which resulted in both being sent to the tail of the field. This allowed Tim Dowling his moment in the spotlight and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Hall methodically picked his way back to the second spot as heavy attrition thinned out the herd. The last five laps saw Hall giving his all to pass Dowling on the inside, outside, and backside. Dowling kept cool under heavy fire and stayed strong to earn his first win. Dowling and Hall were trailed by Kenny Durham, Richard Adams, and Floyd Martin, Sr.
A strong field of 20 Super Late Models took the initial green flag for their feature. Jason Fitzgerald continued his divisional mastery as he started on the pole, held the front spot into the first turn, and led every lap without a serious challenge. Many spots behind Fitzgerald were contested more closely with Marty Kelly outlasting his remaining competitors for second. Peyton NeSmith, Vince Muzzin, and Bobby Alexander, Jr. made up the front five.
Limited Late Models had their best car count of the season as David Shuggart took command of the first 24 laps of their main event. Shuggart then subsequently lost the lead and got involved in a wreck within the space of one half lap. Steve Whitener inherited the point and held off a determined Richard Ferry at the line. Third was Jason Davis, fourth was Bill Kopka, and fifth was Jeff Terrell.
Once again in the Pure Stock feature Mike Tripp suffered heartbreak on the final lap as what appeared to be an apparent win was thwarted by a lapped car that refused to yield for several laps. Pete Parkes got a break and made his move on the final turn of the final lap for his first win of 2003. Tripp also lost the previous week’s feature on the final lap due to traffic. Tripp nevertheless enhanceded his points lead as his other immediate points contenders dropped out. Hollywood Owen was third, Scott Booth was fourth, and Timmy Roach was fifth.
Polesitter Jason Lowe dominated most of the Modified feature, but was denied the top prize by Marion Sizemore. The cagey Sizemore was content to bide his time and save his tires until the final ten laps. As Lowe’s car faded in the stretch, Sizemore put on the afterburners and won going away. Following Sizemore and Lowe in the order was Matt Hartley, Chris Hammond, and Steve Persinger.
Next Saturday night will be hosted by the Winged Sprint cars as they continue to add to an ever-growing car count. Limited Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, and Pure Stocks will also be in competition on the high-banked 3/8-mile oval. Racing begins at 7 PM.
