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February 20, 1999 World Series Aftermath Some fans still have questions about New Smyrna’s 33rd Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Late Model Championship. Bruce Lawrence ( upper right) had a fourth place finish in one of the late model events, but the battle was apparently between David Rogers and Junior Hanley. Rogers is the official winner, but a whole lot of people don’t agree. Then there’s Ronnie Burkett, with his infamous ‘jumping the start’, that will keep fans arguing for months. Jason Schuler (#37 right) finished sixth in the points after all was said and done.
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Seems the confusion surrounds how the two could have run nearly identical in total positions with Hanly winning four of the events, and yet Hanley was 42 points behind Roger’s 266 points. If you want to get in on the fray go to the New Smyrna Speedway Message Board and join the argument. Bottom Line: David Rogers is the Champ!
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Then there’s Ronnie Burkett. Burkett was sent to the rear of the field in the Clyde Hart Memorial for jumping a restart on lap 34.The call apparently shocked Burkett and team manager Dick Anderson. Burkett said, ''I'm a former track champion here and I know exactly where to start.'' ''The first start maybe I jumped the initial start but the second one was good,'' “'The car was awesome. We had the car to beat.'' Burkett said. What are we going to do get out a measuring tape?'' Anderson asked, ''It was a ridiculous call. They know we had them all beat tonight.'' After this incident I wouldn’t look to see Burkett at New Smyrna anytime soon. Course you might catch him in Lakeland March 5 & 6th.
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Ted Christopher in the (#00 right) finished first in the NASCAR Tour Types & SK Modifieds and fourth overall in the Florida Modifieds. Look for Ted in the Busch Grand National North racing series and at Stafford Speedway up in Connecticut.
George Kent (#26 right) came in second in the NASCAR Tour Types & SK Modifieds series. For him to come back from retirement, and come back as strong as he did, has made him somewhat a legend in his time. ***********************************
If you missed it here’s John Matthews and his
Top Ten Moments of Speedweeks 1999 .
Thanks to John for the photos on this page. |
