Tracks | Karnac Racing News

Sheppard Edges Moran in East Bay Opener

TAMPA, FL (February 5, 2018) – Brandon Sheppard passed Devin Moran coming off turn four on the final lap to win the opening night of the Wrisco Industries 42nd Annual Winternationals – Presented by E3 Spark Plugs.

The 30-lap, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event saw four different leaders. Moran held the top spot at two different points and finished in second, with Earl Pearson, Jr. claiming the third position. Jonathan Davenport was in contention for the win until the end when he came home fourth. Scott Bloomquist romped from his eighteenth-place starting spot to finish fifth.

“I really didn’t find anything, it was treacherous getting off the corners. I had to get off the bottom in the brown. It’s tricky. I guess I never lifted on that last lap. My dad texted Mark [Richards] before the race and told him to get on me and that I needed to get up on the wheel more,” said the former Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year.

“I knew my dad was at home watching on television. I can’t thank Mark Richards and Steve Baker enough for what they have done for me, and everybody at Rocket Chassis as well. It’s a dream come true to drive for them. My dad and my grandpa have always supported me, and I appreciate that.”

Kyle Bronson started from the pole and led the first lap of the event until Moran forged ahead. Josh Richards then picked up the pace as he took the lead for the first time on lap thirteen. Richards led three circuits until Sheppard appeared at the head of the field for the first time on lap sixteen.

Two circuits later, Moran regained the point and looked to be on his way to first career win at “The Clay by the Bay.” However, Moran was forced to battle lapped traffic entering turn three on the final lap, allowing Sheppard to go high on the track and beat Moran to the finish line by a narrow margin.

Moran was pleased with his second-place finish, but disappointed he didn’t get that first win at the 1/3-mile oval. “It was an awesome race. With all the rain they got yesterday, Al [Varnadore] did a great job with the track. It would have been better if we would have won. My dad [Donnie] and brother [Wylie] were at home tonight and I had my brother Tristan here. It was a good run. We will come back tomorrow and try to improve one more spot,” said the driver of the Tye Twarog-owned, Eddie’s Sunoco, Rocket.

The Ronnie Stuckey Enterprises, Black Diamond, Lucas Oil entry driven by Earl Pearson Jr. battled amongst the top five the entire race before crossing the finish line in third. “Those kids up front put on a good show, that’s for sure,” smiled Pearson afterwards. “For the first night here at East Bay we will take this and build from there. That was a heck of a show in front of me. They were dicing it out, back and forth, the fans had to enjoy that one.”

Sheppard’s winning Mark Richards Racing-owned, Rocket Chassis entry is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by: Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Gunter’s Honey, Integra Racing Shocks, Ace Metal Works, Sallack Well Service, and Sunoco Race Fuels.

Completing the top ten were Josh Richards, Billy Moyer Jr., Tyler Erb, Austin Hubbard, and Corey Conley.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Monday, February 5, 2018
Wrisco Industries East Bay Winternationals – presented by E3 Spark Plugs
East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa, FL

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Kyle Bronson / 14.794 seconds
Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Josh Richards / 14.718 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Kyle Bronson, Tyler Erb, Brandon Sheppard, Brian Shirley, Gregg Satterlee, Austin Hubbard, Freddie Carpenter, Joey Moriarty, Rance Garlock, Bob Geiger-DNS

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Devin Moran, Earl Pearson, Jr., Mason Zeigler, Jeff Mathews, Donald McIntosh, Coleby Frye, Carder Miller, Craig Wolford, Shane Tankersley, Byron Meeks

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Josh Richards, Jonathan Davenport, Tim Dohm , Jonathan Rowan, Scott Bloomquist, Corey Conley , Ryan King, Hudson O’Neal, Jason Jameson, Walker Arthur

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Bobby Pierce, Billy Moyer, Jr., Dennis Erb, Jr., Mike Benedum, Tim McCreadie, Allen Murray, Travis Stemler, Jesse Stovall, Bob Gardner, Greg Oakes

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Gregg Satterlee, Donald McIntosh, Austin Hubbard, Freddie Carpenter, Rance Garlock, Joey Moriarty, Coleby Frye, Shane Tankersley, Carder Miller, Craig Wolford, Byron Meeks-DNS, Bob Geiger-DNS

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Scott Bloomquist, Jesse Stovall, Corey Conley , Jason Jameson, Hudson O’Neal, Ryan King, Walker Arthur, Allen Murray, Bob Gardner, Greg Oakes, Tim McCreadie, Travis Stemler

DirtOnDirt.com Strawberry Dash Finish (8 Laps): Walker Arthur, Jason Jameson, Allen Murray, Freddie Carpenter, Rance Garlock, Bob Gardner, Coleby Frye, Joey Moriarty, Ryan King, Carder Miller

Feature Finish (30 Laps):

FINISH	START	CAR #	DRIVER NAME	HOMETOWN	EARNINGS
1	9	1s	Brandon Sheppard	New Berlin, IL	$5,000
2	3	9	Devin Moran	Dresden, OH	$3,000
3	7	1	Earl Pearson, Jr.	Jacksonville, FL	$2,000
4	6	49	Jonathan Davenport	Blairsville, GA	$1,500
5	18	0	Scott Bloomquist	Mooresburg, TN	$1,000
6	2	1R	Josh Richards	Shinnston, WV	$900
7	8	21JR	Billy Moyer, Jr.	Batesville, AR	$750
8	5	91	Tyler Erb	New Waverly, TX	$700
9	19	11	Austin Hubbard	Bridgeville, DE	$650
10	22	14C	Corey Conley	Wellsburg, WV	$600
11	24	71	Hudson O’Neal	Martinsville, IN	$550
12	12	28	Dennis Erb, Jr.	Carpentersville, IL	$500
13	4	32	Bobby Pierce	Oakwood, IL	$500
14	1	40B	Kyle Bronson	Brandon, FL	$500
15	20	00	Jesse Stovall	Billings, MO	$500
16	17	22	Gregg Satterlee	Indiana, PA	$500
17	14	56	Jonathan Rowan	Jackson, TN	$500
18	10	6T	Tim Dohm	Cross Lanes, WV	$500
19	21	7m	Donald McIntosh	Dawsonville, GA	$500
20	11	25Z	Mason Zeigler	Chalk Hill, PA	$500
21	15	33	Jeff Mathews	Brandon, FL	$500
22	25	22G	Greg Oakes	Franklinville, NY	$500
23	26	87	Walker Arthur	Forest, VA	$500
24	23	39	Tim McCreadie	Watertown, NY	$500
25	16	25B	Mike Benedum	Salem, WV	$500
26	13	22*	Brian Shirley	Chatham, IL	$500

Race Statistics

Entrants: 40

Lap Leaders: Kyle Bronson (Laps 1 – 2); Devin Moran (Laps 3 – 12); Josh Richards (Laps 12 – 14); Devin Moran (Lap 15); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 16 – 17); Devin Moran (Laps 18 – 29); Brandon Sheppard (Lap 30)
Cautions: Brian Shirley (Lap 6); Tim Dohm (Lap 14)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Tim McCreadie, Hudson O’Neal
Wrisco Industries Winternationals Provisional: Greg Oakes
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: N/A
Wrisco Feature Winner: Brandon Sheppard
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Scott Bloomquist (Started: 18th; Finished: 5th; Advanced 13 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Josh Richards
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Tim Dohm
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard
Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: N/A
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Cody Mallory (Scott Bloomquist)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Josh Richards (Lap #13 – 15.9709 seconds)
Most Laps Led: Devin Moran (23 Laps)
Dirty Girl Racewear Farthest Traveler: Joey Moriarty
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Kyle Bronson

Time of Race: 13 minutes 19 seconds

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:

POS	CAR #	DRIVER NAME	HOMETOWN	POINTS	EARNINGS
1	1R	Josh Richards	Shinnston, WV	510	$24,100
2	40B	Kyle Bronson	Brandon, FL	420	$7,300
2	49	Jonathan Davenport	Blairsville, GA	420	$6,300
4	1s	Brandon Sheppard	New Berlin, IL	410	$9,500
5	B1	Brent Larson	Lake Elmo, MN	385	$2,875
6	28	Dennis Erb, Jr.	Carpentersville, IL	375	$4,975
7	39	Tim McCreadie	Watertown, NY	370	$3,775
7	1	Earl Pearson, Jr.	Jacksonville, FL	370	$5,650
7	20	Jimmy Owens	Newport, TN	370	$4,450
10	14	Darrell Lanigan	Union, KY	360	$3,050
11	91	Tyler Erb	New Waverly, TX	340	$4,200
12	32	Bobby Pierce	Oakwood, IL	335	$3,575
12	99B	Boom Briggs	Bear Lake, PA	335	$2,825
12	71	Hudson O’Neal	Martinsville, IN	335	$6,850
15	50	Shanon Buckingham	Morristown, TN	325	$2,025
16	25Z	Mason Zeigler	Chalk Hill, PA	310	$2,700
17	5	Don O’Neal	Martinsville, IN	305	$2,900
18	22	Gregg Satterlee	Indiana, PA	290	$3,150
19	116	Brandon Overton	Evans, GA	285	$1,850
20	77	Brian Connor	Martinez, GA	270	$1,000
20	0	Scott Bloomquist	Mooresburg, TN	270	$3,700

*Points are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesday following Race Day*

By Scott|2018-02-06T07:33:42-05:00February 6th, 2018|East Bay Raceway Park, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National, Racing News|Comments Off

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rolls into East Bay Raceway Park

BATAVIA, OH (January 30, 2018) – One of the biggest weeks of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season is just around the corner. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will invade East Bay Raceway Park for the 42nd Annual Wrisco Industries Winternationals – Presented by E3 Spark Plugs, February 4th-10th.

An Open Practice from 6:00pm – 9:00pm on Sunday will kick off a week-long stretch of racing action. From Monday, February 5th through Saturday, February 10th the nation’s top dirt late model drivers will battle in pursuit of nearly $200,000 in prize money.

A full program is scheduled for six straight nights, which includes: Hot Laps, Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, DirtonDirt.com Strawberry Dash, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series main event. Each day, the Drivers Meeting will take place at 5:15pm, followed by Hot Laps at 6:00pm.

For tickets or more information on the 42nd Annual Wrisco Industries Winternationals, visit: www.eastbayracewaypark.com, or call the track office at: (877) 457-5611.

Wrisco Industries – leading manufacturer of high quality aluminum, architectural, steel, and building products for over 100 years – will continue as the title sponsor of the Winternationals. As the undisputed champion aluminum sheet supplier to the racing industry, Wrisco carries more than 40 winning racing finishes, such as painted, anodized, mill finish and aluminum diamond tread bright in a wide range of sizes and gauges – all available for immediate shipment. Wrisco is the leader in race color innovations with our full-line of .040 racing painted aluminum sheet for car bodies and trailer skins. To learn more, visit: www.wrisco.com.

E3 Spark Plugs is continuing their association with the Winternationals in 2018. E3 Spark Plugs with patented DiamondFIRE technology, developed and validated by researchers from leading engineering universities, improves combustion efficiency for maximum performance. As one of the leading spark plug companies in the United States, E3 manufactures a complete line of spark plugs for automotive, small engine, powersports and racing application. In 2016, E3 expanded the company’s product line to include distributors, spark plug wires, coils and 02 sensors under the company’s DiamondFIRE brand. The DiamondFIRE line of ignition products firmly entrenches E3’s commitment to the automotive high performance and racing industry. For more information about E3 ignition products, visit www.e3sparkplugs.com.

For the latest breaking news concerning the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, including the latest series standings, 2018 tour schedule, driver information, and more visit the official website at: www.lucasdirt.com.

Track Information:
East Bay Raceway Park
Phone Number: (877) 457-5611
Location: 6311 Burts Road, Tampa, FL 33619
Website: www.eastbayracewaypark.com

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:
Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib 1300
Right Rear – Hoosier 01, LM40

*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Main.
*For the Feature, competitors may use 2 new rear tires of choice.
*Cutting and/or siping of any tire IS allowed.

Event Purses for the Week:
$5,000 to win- 1. $5,000, 2. $3,000 3. $2,000, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,000, 6. $800, 7. $750, 8. $700, 9. $650, 10. $600, 11. $550, 12. $500, 13. $500, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500.

$7,000 to win- 1. $7,000, 2. $3,500, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,400, 6. $1,300, 7. $1,200, 8. $1,100, 9. $1,000. 10. $950, 11. $900. 12. $850, 13. $800, 14. $750, 15. $725, 16. $700, 17. $700, 18. $700, 19. $650, 20. $625, 21. $625, 22. $600, 23. $600, 24. $600.

$10,000 to win- 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,750, 5. $2,250, 6. $1,800, 7. $1,500, 8. $1,300, 9. $1,200, 10. $1,100, 11. $1,075, 12. $1,050, 13. $1,025, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800.

$12,000 to win- 1. $12,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,750, 5. $2,250, 6. $1,800, 7. $1,500, 8. $1,300, 9. $1,200, 10. $1,100, 11. $1,075, 12. $1,050, 13. $1,025, 14. $1,000, 15. $1,000, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000

By Scott|2018-01-31T19:27:13-05:00January 31st, 2018|East Bay Raceway Park, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Racing News, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

“THE MAGIC MAN” MARK WHITENER WINS $5,000 OPEN WHEEL MODIFIED 75-LAP FEATURE TONIGHT AT EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK

January 27, 2018 – Tampa, FL – Mark Whitener pulls into Victory Lane while holding off a hard charging Kevin Adams who finished second and Bryan Bernhardt who finished third. With a few laps to go Adams would keep trying on the high side to keep up the momentum and try to get around Whitener to score another win after securing a victory on opening night. Whitener said in victory lane that he hadn’t run very many modified races over the past few years but to come here and beat some of the best who do this for a living and travel all over is a big deal and you can tell when you can race side by side with them.

Winning their heats tonight were Phillip Cobb of Dover, FL, Travis Varnadore of Dover, FL, Devin Gilpin of Columbus, TN and Kyle Bronson of Brandon, FL. Winning their B-Mains were Eric Moon of Zephyrhills, FL and Kyle Strickler of Mooresville, NC

In the Street Stocks 40-lap A-Main it was Tim Gay winning for a third night and picking up the $1,000 payday for tonight’s efforts and making him a 2 time Winternationals Champion in the Street Stocks. Finishing in the second spot was Brian Morgan of Okeechobee, FL and Dennis Williams of Zephyrhills, FL.

Professional Motorsports Solutions

42nd Annual Winternationals – East Bay Raceway Park 1/27/2018

Results – All Classes

Modifieds A-Feature – 75-laps

Mark Whitener 5 Middleburg, Fl
Kevin Adams 40 Cameron, Wi
Bryan Bernhardt 69B Clearwater, Fl
Kyle Strickler 8 Mooresville, Nc
Mavrick Varnadore 4 Dover, Fl
Devin Gilpin 1G Columbus, In
Ivedent Lloyd Jr 311 Ocala, Fl
Kenny Wallace 36 Imperial, Mo
Kyle Bronson 40B Brandon, Fl
Lucas Lee 12L Paris, Tn
Allen Weisser 25w Peoria, Il
Roger Crouse 15 Plant City, Fl
Travis Varnadore 205 Dover, Fl
Dale Kelley 22 Plant City, Fl
Phillip Cobb 03 Dover, Fl
David Pollen Jr. 88 Tampa, Fl
Mike Potosky 20M Guys Mills, Pa
Jeff Mathews 33 Brandon, Fl
Rick Conoyer 14C St Peters, Mo
Shane Burrows 70B Valrico, Fl
David Reutimann 00D Sherrills Ford, Nc
Devin Dixon 2 Apollo Beach, Fl
Eric Moon 18 Zephyrhills, Fl
Steve Miller 8s Tampa, Fl
Street Stock A-Feature – 40 Laps

Tim Gay 90 Plant City, Fl
Brian Morgan 9 Okeechobee, Fl
Dennis Williams 24 Zephyrhills, Fl
Richie Stephens 69H Phenix City, Al
Scotty Kay Jr.69k Loxahatchee, Fl
Thomas Pratt 22 Dover, Fl
Zack Amundsen 20 Lithia, Fl
Justin Rodgers 95 Lithia, Fl
Trent Wilson 33 Okeechobee, Fl
Tim Powers 44 Okeechobee, Fl
Buck Woodhouse 55 Tampa, Fl
J.r. Welden 40w Sarasota, Fl
Jason Harrison 2 Montgomery, Al
Jason Burnside 12J Tampa, Fl
Josh Sigler 191 Cairo, Wv
Jim Baker 69x Gibsonton, Fl
Charles Christian 04 Altoon, Fl
Craig Montesi 39 Orlando, Fl
Raymond Vann 32 Wesley Chapel, Fl
Jesse Brown 12 Clewiston, Fl

By Scott|2018-01-29T17:51:30-05:00January 29th, 2018|East Bay Raceway Park, Racing News|Comments Off

McDUFFIE A MONSTER IN PRO TRUCKS AS AUBURNDALE SPEEDWAY BEGINS 2018 SEASON

Auburndale Speedway began the 2018 racing season with comfortable weather, a great crowd and plenty of outstanding racing. When all was said and done, four very familiar faces graced victory lane along with one very pretty new one.

Fifteen Pro Trucks were in attendance with Bartow’s Cody McDuffie turning a lap of 14.437 seconds to earn fast time honors. Young Derek Pugh of West Palm Beach was second quick at 14.580 followed by the 14.600 lap of Rodney Haddock who towed down from Hillard to compete. Austin Pickens and Jason Lester rounded out the “fast five” on the night.

McDuffie picked a six for the inversion and that placed sixth-fast qualifier Danny Anderson on the pole for the “Super Bowl 75” flanked by Lester on the outside. Lester got the jump on the field and led the opening two circuits before William Kerns brought out the caution with a spin in turn two.

Anderson got by Lester for the top spot on the restart as McDuffie started making his move.

McDuffie passed Pickens for third spot on lap nine then zipped by Lester for second two laps later. Pugh got by Pickens for third on lap 16 as all eyes were now on the battle for the lead as McDuffie was totally dialed in using the outer groove to zoom by Anderson on lap 17 to assume the point.

The next yellow flag appeared on the 29th lap as Colt Cecil got into the lapped truck of Dakota Hunt sending Hunt for a spin in turn two. Hunt dropped out just before the green flag returned while Cecil returned to action briefly before also calling it a night…

Lester got by Anderson for second on the restart but Anderson returned the favor on lap 44. The race remained under green until lap 57 when newcomer Carl McCormick (teammate of Haddock) spun in turn four after contact with Nick Haag. Both were able to continue as McDuffie continued to have a field day at the front of the pack. The final yellow came out on lap 67 for Mike Kohut’s spin in turn four.

From that point McDuffie simply ran and hid from the rest of the field.

McDuffie, who ended the 2017 season with a big win in the Joey Coulter Charity 212 in December, picked right up where he left off. “This truck is awesome,” said McDuffie in victory lane. “I just point it where I want it to go and it does it… it’s such a fantastic feeling to be in a truck this good,” he continued. McDuffie dedicated his win to his aunt who was celebrating her birthday at the track.

Anderson came home the runner-up and said he had a blast, especially the side by side racing he did with Lester who took the checker in third to complete the podium. Derek Pugh capped a great night with a fourth place effort making a late-race pass of Austin Picken who rounded out the top five.

Sixth went to Devin Kyle who had a smooth, steady run all night. Completing the top ten were Mike Kohut, Carl McCormick, Nick Haag, Rodney Haddock and Todd Haag. The remaining finishers were Brey Holmes, William Kerns, Colt Cecil and Dakota Hunt.

After the race, the top three finishers were brought to tech inspector Rick Brooks’ “Room of Doom.” Items checked were rear ends, axle, drive shafts, flywheel, transmission and crank weight. All three passed and results were made official.

Seth Adams got his season off to a great start by leading all the way to capture the 25-lap Legend Car feature. Adams won his heat and earned the pole for the nightcap and had a relatively easy go of it as the race was slowed just twice. The first caution was displayed on lap five as Tim Hunt and Sam Cornman tangled coming down the front stretch. Hunt’s car was towed from the track as something had broken in the rear end of his machine. Cornman continued but spun again by himself in turn two on lap eight for the second and final yellow flag. He later fell out of the event.

Adams cruised to victory over his teammate Kyle Pitts and first heat winner Jim Smith. Mike Verhaagh claimed fourth while Taylor Hosford was fifth.

Rounding out the finishers were Mitch Verhaagh, Alan Hiefnar, Blake Boyette, Christian Baker, Dave Fusco, Cale Nolen, Cornman and Hunt.

2017 Q Mini Stock champion Chris Narramore, Sr. won his heat race, started from the front row of the 20-lap headliner and won the all-green race by a straightaway over second place Donald Gatlin. Narramore’s son, Chris Narramore, Jr. brought his new ride home in third ahead of John Cummins, Jr. and Bruce Cozad. Sixth went to Fred Martin ahead of first heat winner T. J. Tanner, David Walls, Dalton Herman and David Myers, Sr.

Another 2017 track champion, James Wright III, also led every lap in claiming the 25-lap V-8 Bomber feature over Danny Burchfield, Brandon Duchscherer, Aaron Holmes, Jeff McCaw, Wesley Rounds and Ken Larsh. Wright also won the heat.

After winning the heat race, 14-year-old Maria Martins led all the way to claim a very popular victory in the Mini Cup 15-lap feature. It was her first-ever feature win in the class and she had to hold off a hard-charging Douglas Herrin, Jr. to do it. Russell Bush took third trailed by Clay Samuels, newcomer Bryton Horner and Kameren Wozunk.

Andy Travis held off Justin Ryan to take home the win in a 10-lap match race for the Scrambler cars.

RESULTS – PRO TRUCK SUPER BOWL 75 – 1/27/18

1) Cody McDuffie, Bartow #25

2) Danny Anderson, Bradenton #50

3) Jason Lester, Palmetto #7

4) Derek Pugh, West Palm Beach #3

5) Austin Picken, Windermere #34

6) Devin Kyle, Pinellas Park #2

7) Mike Kohut, Lehigh Acres #11K

8) Carl McCormick, Jacksonville #131

9) Nick Haag, Windermere #53

10) Rodney Haddock, Hilliard #31

11) Todd Haag, Windermere #54

12) Brey Holmes, Lakeland #57

13) William Kerns, Auburndale #69

14) Colt Cecil, Lakeland #19

15) Dakota Hunt, Lakeland #99

By Scott|2018-01-29T17:47:47-05:00January 29th, 2018|Auburndale Speedway, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

SHANE BURROWS WINS NIGHT #2 FOR THE UMP/EBRP OPEN WHEEL MODIFIEDS AT EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK

January 25, 2018 – Tampa, FL – Shane Burrows pays tribute to his Father, Jamie Burrows in the best way by winning tonight’s 30-lap A Main. After finishing 4th last night, Shane had his guardian angel lap after lap watching over him as he was able to hold off hard chargers Jeff Mathews who finished second and Kevin Adams, last night’s feature winner and finishing third tonight with just a few laps remaining.

Kevin Adams was Fast Qualifier tonight and winning their heats were Shon Flannery, Kyle Bronson, Mike Potosky, Phillip Cobb and Devin Gilpin and winning the B-Mains were Tyler Nicely and Lucas Lee.

Action continues Firday night with the UMP/EBRP Open Wheel Modifieds and the Street Stocks. Hot Laps begin around 6:00 pm and qualifying and the action to follow. For more information you can visit us on the web at ebrp.co or call 813-677-7223

Professional Motorsports Solutions

42nd Annual Winter Nationals – East Bay Raceway Park 1/25/2018

Results

Modifieds A-Feature 30-laps

Shane Burrows – 70B-Valrico, Fl

Jeff Mathews 33 – Brandon, Fl

Kevin Adams 40 – Cameron, Wi

Bryan Bernhardt 69B – Clearwater, Fl

Mavrick Varnadore 4 – Dover, Fl

Phillip Cobb 03 – Dover, Fl

Mark Whitener 5- Middleburg, Fl

Roger Crouse 15 – Plant City, Fl

Ivedent Lloyd Jr 311 – Ocala, Fl

Travis Varnadore 205 – Dover, Fl

Shon Flanary 98 – Surgoinsville, Tn

Christian Thomas 7T – Wake Forest, Nc

Bill Howard 47 – Apollo Beach, Fl

Kyle Bronson 40B – Brandon, Fl

Steve Miller 8s – Tampa, Fl

Devin Dixon 2 – Apollo Beach, Fl

Mike Potosky 20M – Guys Mills, Pa

Tyler Nicely 25 – Owensboro, Ky

Lucas Lee 12L – Paris, Tn

Rick Conoyer 14C – St Peters, Mo

Devin Gilpin 1G – Columbus, In

Gary Bentley A1 – St Charles, Mo

David Reutimann 00D – Sherrills Ford, Nc

Allen Weisser 25w – Peoria, Il

Street Stock A-Feature 15-laps

Zack Amundsen 20 – Lithia, Fl

Brian Morgan 9 – Okeechobee, Fl

Thomas Pratt 22- Dover, Fl

Charles Christian 04 -Altoon, Fl

Justin Rodgers 95 – Lithia, Fl

Tim Powers 44 – Okeechobee, Fl

Dennis Williams 24 – Zephyrhills, Fl

Scotty Kay Jr.69k – Loxahatchee, Fl

Tim Gay 90 – Plant City, Fl

Trent Wilson 33 – Okeechobee, Fl

Craig Montesi 39 – Orlando, Fl

Richie Stephens 2 – Phoenix City, Al

Tommy Hill 1H – Clewiston, Fl

Chris Combs 14 – Hamilton, Oh

Jim Baker 69x – Gibsonton, Fl

Jason Burnside 12J – Tampa, Fl

Jason Harrison 69H – Montgomery, Al

Christopher Combs 30 – Hamilton, Oh

Richard Livernois 71 – Dover, Fl

Buck Woodhouse 55 – Tampa, Fl

By Scott|2018-01-26T16:25:45-05:00January 26th, 2018|East Bay Raceway Park, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

AUBURNDALE SPEEDWAY KICKS OFF 2018 SEASON WITH 75 LAPS OF PRO TRUCK RACING SATURDAY NIGHT

Auburndale Speedway Gets the 2018 racing season under way in a big way this Saturday night with the Super Bowl 75 for the Pro Trucks headlining the racing card. Also in action will be the Legend Cars, V-8 Bombers, Q Mini Stocks, Mini Cup cars and the Scramblers.

Among the Pro Truck drivers expected are Rodney and Blake Haddock from Hilliard who will be making their first start here in some time, Derek Pugh of Crystal River, Palmetto’s Jason Lester, Auburndale drivers William Kerns and Colt Cecil, Tyler Davis and Cody McDuffie of Lakeland, Pinellas Park’s Devin Kyle, Mike Kohut of Lehigh Acres and several more.

This 75-lap event pays a cool $1300 to win plus a $75 bonus for the fast qualifier. The event is the first of 11 total for the Pro Trucks in 2018.
All others will be 50 laps in length with the exception of September 22nd when the Pro Trucks will run twin 25-lap races.

Pit gates open at 3 pm with practice slated from 4-5:30 pm. Grandstand gates open at 5 pm and qualifying for the Pro Trucks is slated for 6:15 pm. Racing begins at 7 pm with 8-lap heat races for the Mini Cups, Q Mini Stocks, Scramblers, Legend Cars and V-8 Bombers. Following intermission it’s time to go feature racing starting out with three 20-lap contests for the Mini Cups, Q Mini Stocks and Scramblers. The Legend Cars then go for 25 laps with the V-8 Bombers up next, also for 25 laps. The evening concludes with the Super Bowl
75 for the Pro Trucks.

Adult admission for this great evening of action is just $15 with seniors 55+ $13. Children ages 5-12 are only $5 and all kids 4 and under get in free.
The family 4-pack is just $32 for two adult and two children’s admissions (a $40 value). Pit passes are $30 per person and all parking is free.
Auburndale Speedway no longer accepts credit cards due to the excessive charges being levied on the track by the credit card companies, however there is now an ATM on site for race fans to use.

NOTES:

Weather is expected to be nice for the season opener with a high temperature of 76 degrees and race time temperatures in the mid-upper 60s. There is a slight chance of precipitation very late Saturday night but the wet stuff should hold off until Sunday in advance of a cold front.

The Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association will once again hold their annual Winternationals at Auburndale Speedway. Dates will be February 22-24 and over
100 classic Stock Cars, Modifieds, Speedsters, Sprint Cars and Midgets are expected to fill the pits.

Auburndale Speedway is starting a new 4-cylinder Pure Stock beginners division to get more people interested in racing at an affordable price. The plan is to have the first race on March 3rd if enough cars are ready. Remember, this is non race-experienced class for beginners ages 12 and up. If you are in need of a car to go racing with, contact the speedway and we will give you a good idea on where to get one.

Race fans should like this… For all Late Model events, if there is a rain-out on Saturday, the races will be run the next day on Sunday with racing starting at 2 pm.

Several marketing partners have re-upped with Auburndale Speedway and will be sponsoring various race night throughout the year. They include Q Auto and Injury Attorneys (who once again will be sponsoring the Mini Stock class), Harvest Meat Markets, DARN apparel (who will be once again helping local FFA school organizations) and 97.5 WPCV Country Radio.

The Lights, Camera, Traction! (LCT) Mini Cup Championship Series at Auburndale Speedway will once again be presented by Gordon Motorsports as a driver development class. This class is committed to helping young drivers develop a solid foundation for their racing careers and there are some changes to how things are being done in 2018.
The Series allows anyone under 22 years of age to compete as a LCT Champ driver. Drivers over 22 can apply to run as a LCT Mentor driver. The sole role of LCT Mentor drivers is to assist in the development of young drivers.
Mentor drivers are required to demonstrate exemplary leadership and sportsmanship qualities, both on and off track.
Although the entire field will be running for the purse, one major change this year is that victory lane will be reserved for the top three kids giving them a chance to be interviewed and work on their media skills all while having their moment in the spotlight.
Currently the class has two Mentor Drivers: Bill Rychel #71 and several time track champion Russell Bush, driver of the #8 car. Gordon Motorsports will also be providing a new Mini Cup to Doug Herrin, Douglas Herrin, Jr.’s father, as our first official GMS/LCT father/son team and and Doug, Sr. will be joining his son in the field soon.
Gordon Motorsports is also looking for kids that would like to get involved with the production side of LCT. Whether in front of the camera as a pit reporter or behind the camera as a photographer or videographer, anyone interested can learn more by visiting LightsCameraTraction.org, or by calling 1-800-210-2995. You do not have to be a driver in the class to take part.

By Scott|2018-01-24T16:59:56-05:00January 24th, 2018|Auburndale Speedway, Racing News, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds to Race 14 Times in Florida in January/February

East Bay Raceway Park, North Florida Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park to Host

CONCORD, NC — Jan. 11, 2018 — With the 2018 racing season on the horizon, the annual pilgrimage to Florida for Speedweeks traditionally begins a new campaign for a variety of drivers and teams from throughout North America. The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds are once again the busiest class with 14 dates on their calendar at three different race tracks within the Sunshine State. The DIRTcar Late Models won’t be as busy, but still get some track time with three DIRTcar-sanctioned events at two different tracks and four more races with the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series.

The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds kick off the 2018 racing season at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL from Jan. 24-27 to kick off the track’s 42^nd annual Winter Nationals. On Wednesday the 24^th, the Mods go for $1,000-to-win, while on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 25-26, they’ll race for $1,500. On the final night on Saturday the 27^th, the open-wheel gladiators will race for an impressive $5,000 payday — the first of two such races while down in Florida during Speedweeks for the Mods.

After four days at East Bay, it’s onto North Florida Speedway in Lake City, FL from Feb. 2-4 for the Modifieds. The first two nights, on Thursday-Friday, Feb. 2-3, they’ll race for $1,500 to win each night before vying for a $2,500 payday on Sunday, Feb. 4. Their full-fendered counterparts of the DIRTcar Late Models join the Modifieds on Sunday the 4^th for a $5,000 payday and their first action of Speedweeks.

Then it’s onto the 47^th Annual DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 6-17 at Volusia Speedway Park, located west of Daytona Beach in DeLeon Springs, Florida. The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds kick things off on Tuesday, Feb. 6 and will race for seven straight nights from Feb. 6-12 with the $5,000-to-win Gator Championship wrapping up their portion of #FLinFeb on Tuesday, Feb. 12. A grand total of $24,500 in first place winnings is up for grabs in the 14 races.

The DIRTcar Late Models will race twice on Feb. 12-13 before the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series take over for the rest of the week on Feb. 14-17. The Arctic Cat All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars (Feb. 7-8) and World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series (Feb. 9-11) join the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds for those nights, while the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds are in action with the Late Models over five nights of racing starting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, going until Saturday, Feb. 17.

Visit DIRTcar.com to see the Florida Schedule for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. For more information about the 47^th annual DIRTcar Nationals and to order tickets, please call 844-DIRT-TIX or visit dirtcarnationals.com. Follow DIRTcar Nationals throughout the off-season and into the month of February by visiting the DIRTcar Nationals Social Media outlets.

–DIRTcar Press Release

By Scott|2018-01-20T16:09:17-05:00January 20th, 2018|DIRTcar, East Bay Raceway Park, North Florida Speedway, Racing News, Upcoming Events, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds Kick Off 47th Annual DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park

Nick Hoffman to go for “Three-Peat” as DIRTcar Nationals Champion Starting Tuesday, February 6

CONCORD, NC — Jan. 19, 2018 — One of the most popular divisions that race at Volusia Speedway Park during the DIRTcar Nationals are the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. They’ve also been the busiest division during the month of February and perhaps the most competitive. With car counts averaging in the 70s and 101 feature races conducted since 2005, the DIRTcar UMP Modified division has produced 44 different Feature winners as well as 10 different champions over the past 13 years. Only three drivers have captured more than one championship, and it wasn’t done for the first time until 2013 when NASCAR legend Ken Schrader accomplished the feat.

No driver, though, has been more successful in recent years than two-time defending DIRTcar Nationals Modified Champion Nick Hoffman. The 25-year-old has ascended to the status of Best Gator at a surprising pace. Hoffman, the all-time career wins leader of the DIRTcar Nationals with 11, scored his first ever DIRTcar Nationals Feature on February 20, 2012 when he won the first of what would be three Big Gators, worth $5,000 each.

The wins didn’t stop for Hoffman after that. Single victories in 2013 and 2015 set the stage for the past two seasons of domination by the Belleville, IL-born driver. Four Feature wins each in both 2016 and 2017 propelled the driver of the No. 2 Elite Chassis entry to the last two DIRTcar Nationals titles within the DIRTcar UMP Modified division. With last year’s title, he joins Schrader (2008 & 2013) and another NASCAR shoe, Ty Dillon (2012 & 2014) as the only drivers with more than one DIRTcar Nationals title from 2005 to present time. The Modifieds have been a part of Volusia in February since 1996 and are an integral part of the track’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The 2017 championship battle was one of the most memorable. After Fairmont, WV’s Jacob Hawkins kicked off the 2017 DIRTcar Nationals with his first ever DIRTcar Nationals victory, it would be Hoffman scoring night number two. Brian Ruhlman — the DIRTcar Late Model and Modified ace from Clarklake, MI — briefly stopped Hoffman on night three before Hoffman rebounded and scored the next two nights. Will Krup, from Mt. Carmel, IL (Hoffman’s teammate), picked up his first-ever DIRTcar Nationals win on night six before Hoffman grabbed his third Big Gator, worth $5,000, to go with his 2012 and 2016 Big Gators.

The points battle for the 2017 title wasn’t done, though. It all came down to the final night and the Triple 15s. J.E. Stadler and Johnathan Taylor scored the first two Feature wins as the third Feature came down to Hoffman and Hawkins. Hawkins won the battle, his second feature win of the DIRTcar Nationals. Hoffman finished right behind him in second to seal his second consecutive DIRTcar Nationals Championship by just a single point over Hawkins (489-488).

Heading into the 47th annual DIRTcar Nationals, Hoffman leads the charge once again in 2018 and will see plenty of competition from the likes of Hawkins, who looks to advance one position higher in the final standings and capture his first career DIRTcar Nationals title. Brian Ruhlman has went to Victory Lane once in each of the past two years while Krup, Taylor and Stadler hope their first tastes of winning in 2017 will propel them to bigger asperations in 2018. Winners from 2016 who would like to return to victory lane include Tyler Nicely, Trent Young, Derrick Ramey and Ray Bollinger.

Two NASCAR stars who can never be counted out of any DIRTcar UMP Modified event at Volusia are Schrader and Kenny Wallace. Schrader has two career victories at the DIRTcar Nationals, but it’s been awhile, five years to be exact (2013) was the last time Schrader went to Victory Lane. It’s been even longer for Wallace. After his three-win year of 2012, the year he also won the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals Championship, the St. Louis, MO veteran has gone winless at Volusia, but still ranks seventh all-time in career DIRTcar Nationals Feature wins.

One more NASCAR star, David Stremme would like to end a mini slump of sorts as the South Bend, IN driver now residing in Mooresville, NC and is the President of Lethal Chassis, has one win to his credit at Volusia. That lone checkered flag came in 2015. NASCAR Xfinity Series star, Justin Allgaier also has a single win at Volusia in 2016 and, like Stremme, would love to change that. 2017 Southeast Dirt Modified Series Champion, Billy Workman Jr., is a longtime standout at Volusia and is still in search of his first ever Volusia win and so is Stanley, NC rising star, Taylor Cook, a two-time winner in the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. That first Volusia victory has so far eluded him as well.

For more information about the 47th annual DIRTcar Nationals and to order tickets, please call 844-DIRT-TIX or visit dirtcarnationals.com. Follow DIRTcar Nationals throughout the off-season and into the month of February by visiting the DIRTcar Nationals Social Media outlets.

By: Matt Prieur

— DIRTcar Press Release

By Scott|2018-01-20T15:24:05-05:00January 20th, 2018|Racing News, Upcoming Events, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Varnadore Wins 50 Lap Topless Modified Feature at East Bay Raceway Park

GIBSONTON — At East Bay Raceway it was Robby Hoffman winning the Mini Sprints, Buck Woodhouse in the Hobby Stocks, AJ Maddox in the Boomtrux.com Wingless Classic, Jason Burnside in the V8 Warriors, Mavrick Varnadore in the Q Auto & Injury Attorneys Topless 50 Gagel’s Open Wheel Modifieds and Robert Kissam in the 4 Cylinder Bombers.
In the Mini Sprints 15-lap feature it was Robby Hoffman picking up the win over points leader Jamie Tinkham who finished second and Dustin Cates finishing third.
In the Hobby Stocks 15-lap feature it was Buck Woodhouse coming home with the win over second place Rich Livernois, Sr. and third place Jeff Rodgers.
In the Boomtrux.com Wingless Classic for the Eagle Jet Top Gun Sprints it was AJ Maddox picking up the $1,800 to win plus the Jeff Barfield Clean Sweep Award earning an extra $400 for his win tonight. Coming home in the second spot was Jeremy Ellerston and third went to Matt Kurtz.
In the V8 Warrior 15-lap feature it was Jason Burnside picking up another win over second place Raymond Vann and third place Bill Whitney.
In the Q Auto & Injury Attorneys Topless 50 Gagel’s Open Wheel Modified Feature it was Mavrick Varndore getting by Phillip Cobb earning a $2,000 payday. Cobb finished second with Travis Varnadore coming home third.

And in the final feature of the night it was the 4 Cylinder Bombers 15-lap feature with defending Champion Robert Kissam coming home with the win over second place Danny Bowman, Jr. and third place Wayne Kissam.
Action continues this Saturday November 25th as the Q Auto & Injury Attorneys Sprints, Late Model Sportsman, Florida Old Time Modifieds, 4 Cylinder Bombers and the Micro Sprints. For information, visit ebrp.co or call 813-677-7223.

EAST BAY RACEWAY
Saturday’s results
Mini Sprints (15-lap feature)
1. 66 Robby Hoffman
2. 51 Jamie Tinkham
3. 6 Dustin Cates
4. 67 David Hall
5. 13 Bubba Ham
6. 3 Joe Bartow
7. 1 Carson Canady
8. 17 Derek Donaldson
Hobby Stocks (15-lap feature)
1. 55 Buck Woodhouse
2. 71 Rich Livernois, Sr.
3. 95 Jeff Rodgers
4. 57 John Bradley
5. 9 Robert Tyler
6. 51 Allen Bailey
7. 69x Jim Baker
8. 38 Ken Lawrence
Boomtrux.com Eagle Jet Top Gun Sprints Wingless Classic (25-lap feature)
1. 3a AJ Maddox
2. 89 Jeremy Ellerston
3. 82 Matt Kurtz
4. G6 Brandon Grubaugh
5. 19 Keith Butler
6. 55 Kurt Taylor
7. Andy Kelley
8. Nikole Voisey
9. 3k Guy Bos
10. 46 David “Skeeter” Kelley
11. 11x Billy Grace
12. 12 David Kelley
13. 23d Dylan Colding
14. 83 Mark Ruel, Jr.
15. 44a Mike Steinruck
16. 11b Billy Bridges
17. 17 Rich AFlexander
18. 32 Andrew Griffin
19. 13 Nathan Barouch (DNS)
20. 12b Troy Decaire (DNS)
21. 20 Frank Carlson (DNS)
V8 Warriors (15-lap feature)
1. 12j Jason Burnside
2. 32 Raymond Vann
3. 15 Bill Whitney
4. 12 Rhett Wilson
5. 7 Kevin Cassaday
6. 36 David Parr
7. 2 Kalen Maynard
8. 105 George Handy
9. 09 Jessica Robbins
10. 26 Jeff Weaver
11. 10 Juston Meeks
12. 23b Scott Bane
13. 23 Gary Lucas (DNS)
Q Auto & Injury Attorneys Topless 50 Gagel’s Open Wheel Modifieds (50-lap feature)
1. 4 Mavrick Varnadore
2. 03 Phillip Cobb
3. 205 Travis Varnadore
4. 10 David Pollen, Jr.
5. 47 Billy Howard, Jr.
6. 22h Bill Howard, Sr.
7. 81 Thomas Pratt
8. 53 Rick Hall
9. 84 Ronnie Whitley
10. 49 Randy Shields, Jr.
11. 22 Dale Kelley
12. 56 Brett Koch
13. 9c Don Crandall
14. 84ae Corey Butler
15. 78 Michael Stalnaker (DNS)
4 Cylinder Bombers (15-lap feature)
1. 911 Robert Kissam
2. 46 Danny Bowman, Jr.
3. 07 Wayne Kissam
4. 24 David Wilber
5. T2 Thomas Adams
6. 16 Jeff Smith
7. 3d Daniel Casey
8. 21 Rodney Martin
9. 14b Bailey Purcell
10. 4 Rick Rutledge, Sr.
11. 124 Ricky Rutledge, Jr.

By Scott|2017-11-20T13:12:38-05:00November 20th, 2017|East Bay Raceway Park, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

SSCS MODIFIED AND STREET STOCK WINS TAKEN BY SKAGGS AND GIBSON AT AUBURNDALE SPEEDWAY

Finally Auburndale Speedway got the chance to run a full program under near-perfect weather conditions including a full moon. A large crowd was treated to some great racing that featured the Sunshine State Challenge Series Open Wheel Modifieds and Street Stocks.

It was DARN Apparel Future Farmers of America night and the local high school chapters raised a total of $663 in admission sales for the night that went directly back to them for funding of their programs. Auburndale High brought in the most members to the track Saturday night.

L. B. Skaggs of North Fort Myers topped the SSCS Modified field in qualifying with a lap of 13.847 seconds. The “Rocketman,” Wayne Jefferson of Pinellas Park was second fastest in his Dick & Mary Anderson-owned machine with a lap of 13.904.

Luck of the draw placed to top two qualifiers on the front row for the start and Skaggs led the opening pair of laps before he and Jefferson tangled in turn two sending both to the rear for the restart. Johnny Allen took over at that point and held sway as both Jefferson and Skaggs again worked their way forward getting past Eric Rudd for second and third on lap eight.

Caution flew on the tenth lap for a spin by Jordan Harris. Harris was making his first start in a car that was built by his grandfather Danny Harris. The elder Harris owned cars that raced here for years but he has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite that, Harris was in attendance to watch his grandson compete for the first time.

Following the restart Jefferson moved in to challenge Allen but the two touched allowing Skaggs to slip into second. Skaggs would grab the top spot a lap later while Jefferson eventually drove by Allen for second on the 18th circuit. Harris spun a second time to bring out the yellow on lap 21 as Rudd took his machine to the pits but returned before the restart.

Lap 29 saw Harris spin a third time as track officials stopped leader Skaggs to check for a fluid leak. None was found and the SSCS Modified point leader returned to the point. Using the “Auburndale restart” to his advantage, Matt McCrary was able to sneak into second after the green flew again. McCrary stayed in second for a couple of laps before Jefferson came storming past to regain the spot. Rudd dropped from competition on lap 39.

With four laps left, McCrary spun in turn four to allow the field one final shot at Skaggs. Skaggs easily drove away to victory, though, topping Jefferson and Allen, who was back behind the wheel after a few years of inactivity. In victory lane, Skaggs was quick to thank Jefferson’s car owner Dick Anderson for helping him. “We were just a mid-pack car until Dickie
(Anderson) taught me how to get a car to turn in the center of the corner. I owe this win to him for all of his help and my crew who really make this thing go… it’s an absolute pleasure to drive,” said Skaggs.

Jefferson, making his first start here since 2010 said his car was “just a little off here and there” but said the team would get to work and correct those problems. For Allen, in his words… “I’m just happy to be here racing again and having the chance to drive a really great race car.” McCrary came back to take fourth spot ahead of Rudd, Gayle Haines and Harris.

The SSCS Street Stocks saw Venice driver Kenny Gibson tops in qualifying with a lap of 14.965 seconds. Point leader Ander Jackson was second quick at 15.044. The top two qualifiers again started up front and raced hard early on with Gibson leading the open lap while Jackson inched in front to lead lap two. Gibson, however, got the edge by lap three.

Walt Kirk spun during the fifth lap to bring out the first caution while the yellow flew again two laps later as Ross Francisco and Dora Thorne tangled in turn two. For this restart, Steven O’Steen used the restart rule to move his way into second where he held tough as Gibson began to put some distance on the field. Jackson finally passed O’Steen on the outside during lap 22 to take second but he was well behind the leader.

That all changed when Kirk spun in turn one on lap 31. Jackson moved up to challenge and dove under Gibson to get the preferred inside groove. But Gibson held tight on the outside and never lost the lead as Jackson eventually lost traction and began slipping back. Gibson went on to score an easy win ahead of O’Steen and Francisco who had a heated war for the second position that led to some harsh words after the race although “calm” prevailed fairly quickly.

Jackson slipped back to fourth at the finish and might have turned over the point lead to Gibson in the process. Doing double-duty on the night, Matt McCrary was fifth followed by Thorne and Kirk.

Keith Roggen, who has been concentrating on his new Super Late Model, dusted off his AMF Chassis Modified Mini Stock and went on to win the class’ 25-lap feature event by passing Chris Zimmerman late in the going after Zimmerman had led 22 laps. 2017 Mod Mini track champ Chris Spring was third followed by Austin Craig, Scott Bumgardner and Rachelle Rudolph. David Myers, Sr. was unable to start.

2017 point champion James Wright III led all the way to score what turned out to be a very competitive V-8 Bomber feature, at least the race for second place. Danny Burchfield won that battle as he outlasted third and fourth place finishers Bubba Healey and Jody Gill. Aaron Holmes was fifth followed by Ronnie Abney, Ricky Norman, Gordon Weaver and Nicole Green. Wright also won the heat.

It was yet another feature win for 2017 Q Mini Stock champion Chris Narramore, Sr. who grabbed the lead from Bruce Cozad on the eighth lap before cruising to victory. Cozad won out in a late fender-banging battle with John Cummins, Jr.
to claim the runner-up spot. Fourth went to Donald Gatlin ahead of Matt Cummins and Fred Martin. Cozad won the heat.

Brey Holmes picked up a ride in the Higbie #48 for the night and ended up topping both the heat and feature for the Mini Cup cars. 2017 point champion Russell Bush trailed in second by a good margin while Douglas Herrin, Jr.
rounded out the podium in third. Kameren Wozunk was fourth trailed by Maria Martins, Bill Rychel and Easton Bush. Clay Samuels was unable to start the feature after a hard crash in the heat.

Kyle Pitts took over the lead from Jim Smith on lap four and went on to claim his third Legend Car feature victory of the year. Gavin Sexton also got by Smith for second but trailed Pitts at the end by a big margin. Following third place Smith were Joey Langis, Blake Boyette, Dave Fusco, Cale Nolen and Travis Guard. Pitts also was the heat race winner.

Dustin Wilson capped off his 2017 championship season with his 11th Scrambler feature win of the year. Keith Cantrill and William Kerns trailed Wilson to the checker. Wilson also won the heat race.

By Scott|2017-11-07T19:37:48-05:00November 7th, 2017|Auburndale Speedway, Local, Racing News|Comments Off