HIALEAH, Fla. - Making only his third start of the season anywhere, former Florida Pro Series champion Mike Franklin, Jr returned to the series Saturday night at Hialeah Speedway and came away with a controversial victory in the Bill Flingos Memorial 100.
Franklin, wheeling a car normally driven by Eddie Hamby, began the century run six in the 15 car field as pole sitter Steve Lamb set the pace on the flat third-mile oval. With the field trying to get settled in the early going, Franklin tagged Doyle Boatwright with the latter spinning to bring out a yellow flag. Franklin went to the tail of the field and just made him more determined to do well before the home crowd.
Lap 32 saw Boatwright spin in turn one to move Winchell to second and Franklin to third as each driver tested the other in an effort to pass. No change in the top running order until lap 60 when engine woes slowed Lamb's Ford and Winchell took the point with Franklin all over his rear bumper.
Franklin worked Winchell low in the corners lap after lap and finally, on lap 77 the two combatants made contact with Winchell's Ford spinning wildly off turn four, ending up on the apron at the flag stand.
No yellow flag was displayed and Winchell rejoned the field right in front of new leader Franklin to remain at the tail of the lead lap. New second place runner Jay Middleton had nothing for Franklin as the two time champ sped to the chekcers over the young college student.
Craig Seewald brought his Ford home third ahead of Winchell and Steve Godlewski.
Local division action saw T.C. McElyea cop the street stock 25 lap run with a good drive over point leader Sean Bulaskas, Steve Dielmann, Tony Barreca and Charlie Coyle.
Cyclone points leader Mike Powers sliced and diced his way through the 28 car field to gain his fifth victory of the season in the 25 lap headliner. Zane Reid, who lead much of the event, checkered second ahead of Kirk Demyan, George Morales and Eddie Lawler.
Fred Williams topped the 20 lap mini stock finale for his second score this season over point leader S.C. Klinger, Greg Kaouk, Bill Calder and Harold Cross.
Complete finish of Florida Pro Series 100 showing finishing position, driver and laps completed:
1. Mike Franklin, Jr. 100; 2. Jay Middleton 100; 3. Craig Seewald 100; 4. Joe Winchell 100; 5. Steve Godlewski 100; 6. Ray Derry 100; 7. Danny Maddox 90; 8. Doyle Boatwright 90; 9. Steve Weaver, Jr. 89; 10. Steve Lamb 62; 11. Mario Hernandez 47; 12. David Weaver 42; 13. Michael Faulk 39; 14. Bobby Coyle 25; 15. Kevin McMickle 14.
