IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

June 28, 2005 FSCR Dixon Captures 1st NLMS Victory By: Terry Caton (Barberville, FL June 27, 2005) The famed Volusia Speedway Park played host to another moment in history on Sunday night as Chesley Dixon won his first ever National Late Model Series presented by Corteco event. Dixon qualified the Team Iron Head machine fifth on the night, but was able to put a power move on series points leader Ivedent Lloyd to capture the first heat race of the night. Dewayne Johnson would continue to show his dominance as he captured the second of the four Mary Jane Cardwell attorney at law heat races. Dixon and Johnson would be joined by Jeff Henry and Tuck Trentham as heat winners. Henry took the third heat race in commanding style as the young man from Jacksonville, FL was able to pull out to over a half lap lead on the rest of the field. Tuck Trentham was back to his old tricks again as he pulled out a victory in the fourth heat in race of the night. Several drivers struggled with the setup on their new full tube cars during Saturday’s activities. Jason Davis in his new Rocket and Lonnie Roberts in his new Twister chassis both struggled to find the handle on the new machines. Greg Ward had the fan favorite #241 car back in action this past weekend. This long time racer had taken some time off from the South’s longest running series to play crew chief on his son’s championship winning go-kart team. It was good to see the entire Ward Gang back in action. NLMS Technical Director, Tim Sims, was especially glad to see Laura Ward back in the pit area. Tim calls Laura his personal “Food Fairy.” For those of you that know Tim, you know why having a “Food Fairy” is important to him! As the feature got under way, it was clear to see that #3 Chesley “CD” Dixon and #45 “Flat Out” Dewayne Johnson were the class of the field on this night. Jeff Henry would keep them all honest down the stretch, but his beautiful black #15 machine would prove to be no match for the two out front. Dixon was setting a steady pace being careful not to abuse his Hoosier race tires as he clicked off lap after lap. Dixon would lead the event until just past half way when Johnson would put an outside move on him coming out of turn four. That was the move of the night, as no one else was able to make the high side work at all during the event. Dewayne stayed true to his nickname “FlatOut” as he flat out checked out on the field after getting past Dixon. Johnson would build almost a half track lead over the rest of the field until a caution flag would fly on lap 96. As the field came around to take the yellow flag, Johnson dove for the pits. His green machine had lost a rear end – maybe Dewayne should have been a little more superstitious about having a green race car? Dixon’s crew did not get to overly excited as they had been in this position before only to see something happen to their car as well. Not on this night though as their steely eyed young pilot kept the yellow Central Fence, Sweats Portable Buildings, Davis & Collins Heating & Air / Clements powered machine straight and true with its nose in the wind. Chesley was not to be denied on this night. This young driver was going to fulfill his destiny and become the 68th different winner on the NLMS Southern Dirt Tour. As “CD” powered his machine under the double checkered flags and into the history books a man standing in turn one was heard to say “A star was born tonight.” I am not sure who the gentleman was, but I do agree that Chesley Dixon has become a “Big Time” driver in the National Late Model Series. This team has paid their dues and earned the right to be called winners – congratulations on what was the first of many victories. Other drivers having a pretty good night included #15 Jeff Henry coming home in second place. Another rising star within the NLMS #1N Jordy Nipper brought his machine home in the 3rd position. Lil Nip showed his class by being the only driver to make it into victory lane to congratulate the entire Iron Head Team on their first NLMS victory. Paul George would bring his #88 machine home in the fourth position. This was the best NLMS finish for George in some time. It was good to see this long time racer have such a good night. Rounding out the top five was another of the young fresh faces in the NLMS, Mark Whitener. Mark kept his red #5 out of trouble all night long. If he stays on the circuit for the rest of the season we may have our 69th different winner by the end of the season. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! news@karnac.org or send a letter to the editor!