It was a sticky, late July night in Punta Gorda, but those who chose to sit in the heat certainly got their moneys worth Saturday at Charlotte County Speedway.
The big race was a 100-lapper for Limited Late Models. Jason Kuykendall had the strongest car in the early going. Then, Mike Hovis looked like he might win it. But its the strongest car at the end of the race that counts. Steve Dorer passed Hovis on lap 83 and went on to take home the $2,000 winners share.
Dorer had dominated at Charlotte County Speedway a few years ago but moved on to Super Late Models. He was back in Limiteds Saturday night at the Punta Gorda 3/8-mile paved oval, driving his familiar 10 car.
Hovis hung on for second in the 29 car. Randy Fox ran a steady race and finished third. Kuykendall, who entered the race as the points leader, hit barrier tires on lap 86 and finished 10th.
Open Wheel Modifieds also wowed the crowd with a pair of exciting 35-lap features.
The first one saw Phil Thrill Morrison start on the pole and protect the point in his new 63 modified. Mike Hinegardner took second and Sean McLaughlin was third.
There were a lot more fireworks in the second 35-lapper, which ended with Andy Alderman flipping his 83 car on the front straightaway on the final lap.
Alderman was shaken up and taken to Charlotte Regional Medical Center after complaining if neck pain.
Alderman had a shot of finishing in the top three, but he hit the 15 of Bill Atkins coming out of four and then spun wildly before flipping.
Staying ahead of the trouble an taking the checkers in the yellow 34 car was Ted Nelson. McLaughlin pressured Nelson hard for 10 laps but was fingered for spinning out the 34 car on lap 32. A hot McLaughlin parked his black 99 and called it a night.
Tommy Schnader took third in the 19 car.
Morrison started in the back and tried to get up front in a hurry. His trip was derailed with a visit to the infield swamp on lap 14. Things didnt get much better the rest of the way for the Thriller, who had a little grudge match with the 11 of Jimmy Wilkins along the way.
The Road Warrior 25-lapper also packed excitement. Terry Price was able to stay ahead of the trouble behind him and take the checkered in the Amboyan 40 car. Dan Benoit entertained in the 20 car before getting sent to the back. Cory Scott hit the wall in the 48 car. Shane Leonard battled hard for second. Bob 8 Ball Jr. was third.
Les Couch captured the 15-lap Junkyard Dog race. Josh Calvert was second and Mike Lucas took third.
Longtime speedway flagman Russell Gillet, who is battling cancer, was back at the track and in the starters stand for the first Open Wheel Modified race and the Road Warrior race. He did a super job. All at the speedway wished him a speedy recovery.
