CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The inaugural event of the Gulfcoast Triple Classic/Bud Light 50, sponsored by Bearden Oil and Southern Race Fuels for Open Wheel Modifieds was held at Sunshine Speedway Saturday, September 13th.
This first "leg" of the series drew 40 competitors. Current Sunshine points leader, Ralph Bowman of Seminole, Florida collected the $1,000 grand prize for the 50 lap event, along with a check from Hat Rack Shocks and Chassis for $150.00 for fast qualifier.
Twenty seven cars started the feature. Bowman held the lead by lap #9 after starting in second spot behind Chris Robbins #88 of Indian Rocks Beach, but "The Rocketman", Wayne Jefferson #1 of Pinellas Park overtook Bowman on lap 20.
It was the makings of an interesting race between the two until Jefferson blew his distributor cap on lap 24 and left the track for the night. Bowman was challenged by Timmy Moore #57 of Pinellas Park for the balance of the race.
A $300 "winner take all" last chance race was held at the completion of the 50 lap main event, for those Modifieds not making the feature. This was won by Matthew Fetterhoff #71 of Riverview. The $250.00 hard charger award from Dennis Webb of Webb Roofing went to Phil Morrison #63 of Punta Gorda.
The second "leg" of the series will take place at Charlotte County Speedway on October 25th for 75 laps and $1,500 to win and the third "leg" will be held at Bronson Motor Speedway on November 9th for 100 laps and $2,000 to win. The drivers' point fund and all contingency prizes will be awarded at Bronson Motor Speedway at the completion of this third event.
RESULTS
# 2 Ralph Bowman #57 Timmy Moore #5X Billy Mowery # 1 Mike Hinegardner #1X John Anderson # 5 James Glover #93 Rob Partelo #51 Tommy Bower #63 Phil Morrison #15 Bill Atkins #89 Lee Collins #23 Butch Bassett # 6 Corky Craver #20 Robert Crisp #13 Kevyn Terry # 3 Tony Meehan #88 Chris Robbins #205 Bobby Dixon #04 Rick Mcmanaway #89 Teddy Nelson #71X L.B. Skaggs #61 Chet Senokossoff #19 Tommy Schnader #1J Wayne Jefferson #19X Bart Corlieto #96 Robert Ray #55 Herman Brame
