4-30-12 By- Jim Rouse, Bubba Raceway Park Media
This time 6 divisions will hit the clay as they continue the early season run for points championships and they have a tough task to match after last week’s excitement.
Top Gun Sprint Cars return to action for the 3rd time in 2012 and this time the wings are off. Danny Martin, Jr. took his 6th win in his last 8 starts at Bubba Raceway Park in yet another dominating performance. Matt Kurtz has already broken into victory lane and hopes to return but it’ll be tough. With a cast of drivers that includes Martin, Kurtz, Mark Ruel Jr., Tim George, Stephen Darvalics, and many more it’s bound to be the best one yet!
The Scorpion Racing Products UMP DirtCar Open-Wheel Modifieds are so competitive but lately Kyle Bronson has just been showing off. He’s won from the front, mid-pack, and the tail and has led the most laps in all 4 events too. With the season he’s having it takes the attention away from Rich Pratt who has scored all but 30 possible points yet sits 27 out of the lead. Pratt is likely to break through and end this massacre from The Killer but very quietly Scott Mooers has improved and has admitted he’s hit the setup on his #10. A little more time for comfort and the Osteen Assassin will be ready to battle with The Killer. “Crazy” Jim Passino and Dalton Lanich are having strong seasons and complete the top 5. Consistency is key in this division and that is keeping Scott Kurtzner, Tyler Clem, and Larry Mott within mathematical reach.
Hobby Stock action has been dominated by Trevor Gamble and Tim Gay so far as they have 5 of the 6 trophies but Rodney Wright is 2nd just 17 behind Gamble and former Thunderstock champion Brian Shea is tied for 3rd with Gay and they sit just 34 back of Gamble. The 4 man battle has kept the fans on the edge of their seats and the drivers on the verge of out of control. As drivers such as 5th place Trey Cameron III and Howard O’Steen have come close to victory they haven’t closed but could at any time and put the doubters to rest.
1-800-ASK GARY Thunderstock action is always a headliner and has produced plenty of drama. Jonathan Appleby has dodged it all and leads the points yet continues the trend of winless points leaders in this division. Appleby will continue his fight as will Brian Mullins. A 30 point deficit stares Mullins in the face but that can be made up quickly. Jason Gamble is trying to spoil the party in his Certified Automotive Repair #21 and hopes to soon start the fight for 1-2 C.A.R. finishes with team-mate Brandon Tillander. Gamble will have to hold off hard charging Shane Nichols and Justin Durbin if he wants to keep his spot. These along with the rest of the field will have to dethrone Mark Trexler and Chad Scranton, however, as they have won 4 of the 5 combined starts they’ve both made in 2012. Anything can happen in the 1-800-ASK GARY Thunderstocks!
Buddy Pope has company. At least, Shirlene Hammond has joined him as a winner in the Barfield Law Group Mini Stocks of 2012. Pope has a sizable lead over Kyle Kruse, Reid Christensen, Charlie Staats, and Nick Kerr and hopes to hold on to it. As the field has grown so has the close quarters racing and nothing less is expected over the rest of the season.
Steve Johnson finally broke through and took his first checkered flag after holding off Tony LaPorta as he’s doing in the points. As those 2 battle Randy Harless is trying to make up some early season points troubles. Those 3 each have 1 feature win and Steve Cox, currently 5th, is separated from the group only by Reid Christensen who very likely could join them this week. Gladiator action isn’t limited just to these 5 as every driver has a shot at victory and they can all impress with a win.
Pits open at 4 while stands open at 5. Racing is scheduled for 7. For more information you can go to www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400!