Mr. Bud 2003 Limited Sprint Championship Surprises Everyone
by Bill Green
Tampa, FL (Oct. 4th, 2003) Round two of the Mr. Bud Championships would see the East Bay Raceway Park Limited Wingless Sprints in the A-main Feature action. Once again qualifying would be a big part of the Mr. Bud battle, as track position is often the difference between winning and loosing a one race Championship.
First line of business was qualifying, with the fastest time of the night becoming the New Track Record for the Limited Sprint class. Tonight’s first qualifier, would be young Larry Brazil, Jr., and he would turnout to be our fastest qualifier, with a New Track Record of 16.423 on the 1/3 mile oval, averaging just under 73 mph.
After the post qualifying inspection, the pill draw would become a big part of the starting line-up. As the top 6 qualifiers would draw for the top starting spot. The lucky pill would go to Frank Beck, III in his #2 Beck Motorsports entry. The fast qualifier would find his sprinter starting in the 5th spot.
Twenty “ACTION” packed laps later young Danny Martin, Jr. would find his first major victory of his young career, taking the Mr. Bud Championship Jacket & Trophy. Second would go to Tim George, with Frank Beck, III going third, Donnie Maxwell fourth and fast qualifier, Larry Brazil, Jr. fifth.
Street Stocks would start 28 cars for their 15-lap feature, with Bruce Harvey taking the win, Tim Hunt second, Don Gansner coming from 24th to third, Jason Bronson fourth and Eric Johnson from 28th to a top-5 finish.
The Gagel’s Auto Parts Open Wheel Modifieds saw a fan favorite make a return to Victory Lane, as “Prime Time” Bobby Dixon brought the #205 under the checkered flag first. Second went to Buddy Wisham, while third went to local legend “Buzzy” Reutimann. The fourth place finisher would be Jerry White and Jeff Mathews would hold on for fifth.
Limited Late Models would break a long-standing 2003 record, finishing only 4 green flag laps in 30 minutes. The eventual winner would be Timmy Bronson followed by brother Terry Bronson second, William Hampton third, Forest Gough fourth and Doug Decker fifth.
Mini-Stocks would follow-up their Mr. Bud Championship run last weekend, with a hard fought battle to the checkered. The victory would go to Scott Howard, Chad Rose second, Ryan Mitchell third, Greg Pae fourth and fifth went to Danny Bowman, Jr.
Next week it is the Street Stock Mr. Bud Championship, in a class that has seen over 60 different drivers get points in 2003. Come early, get a great seat and watch all the “ACTION” in round three of the East Bay Raceway Park Mr. Bud Championships.
