By- Jim Rouse, Bubba Raceway Park Media
4-23-12 – Scorpion Racing Products UMP DirtCar Open-Wheel Modifieds, Buddy’s Home Furnishings Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, 1-800-ASK Gary Thunderstocks, and Barfield Law Group Mini Stocks will race for points and glory (as well as $1000) this week after a succesful week-end of Monster Jam Summer Heat!
Kyle Bronson has scored all but 2 points possible this season in the 40B Modified and that gives him the points lead. Bronson hasn’t had to put up much of a fight but 2nd place Rich Pratt is ready to fight him for a win. Scott Mooers leads the battle for 3rd but Jim Passino and Scott Kurtzner are in hot pursuit. Those 3 are ready to strike if the top 2 have troubles and break into victory lane by season’s end! “4-Time” Jeff Mathews is 10th just behind Tyler Clem and Larry Mott. Mathews is nearly 100 points out and will have to work hard just to pass the consistent drivers Mott and Clem.
Eddie Gainey and Adam Higginbotham have had 2 different seasons yet just 30 points separate them in the Limited Late Models standings. Gainey has led the standings all season and will have to hold off Higginbotham along with feature winners JO Nobles and Kevin Mills. As those 2 attempt to get back into victory lane they’ll have to battle with 5th place David Showers. An exciting feature is in store and a surprise winner could break through.
A tight points battle sees Trevor Gamble, 2 time winner, and Rodney Wright, winless, tied at 255 in the points. Just 6 back is Tim Gay who has a few wins under his belt too. As the top 3 have faster cars they are also more unreliable (Gamble has 2 wins but also 2 DNFs); slower but more reliable are Brian Shea and John Clark. They are within 40 points and could strike at any time! In fact any driver could win in this highly competitive Hobby Stock division!
As we’ve seen over the past few seasons it’s a tight points battle in the Thunderstocks and the top winner is barely in the top 10. Jonathan Appleby leads Brian Mullins by 16 so far. Those 2 still haven’t broken into victory lane but have shown speed throughout the season. Jason Gamble and Shane Nichols are 3rd and 4th after their tough outings 2 weeks ago but both could bounce back in big ways this week. Justin Durbin completes the top 5 and has done a good job to stay close to the top. Any one could win in this tough division.
Buddy Pope has a 1 race lead over Kyle Kruse who is trying to hold off Reid Christensen for the battle for 2nd. Nick Kerr and the Staats brothers are battling for 4th and just 7 points separate them. Pope is still undefeated in heats and features and looks to keep it that way. A fantastic battle is in store and no one will want to miss it.
Pit gates open at 4 while the grandstands open at 5 for racing at 7. Night of a Thousands will be intense while paints and points will be traded! For more information you can check out www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400.