![\"\"](\"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/PuntaGordaOpen.NightCrash-275x206.jpg\" "\\"PuntaGordaOpen.NightCrash\\"")
<\/a> The track which has recently undergone major improvements in both structure and format has gained a reputation as a family friendly venue for exciting racing entertainment.\u00a0 The first event of the 2011 season lived up to that reputation.<\/p>\nThe racing card premiered with the Fab 4 class in an exciting 20 lap feature.\u00a0 There were three lead changes in the first seven laps as hotly competitive drivers, Zac Campilonga and David Patterson exchanged positions before giving up the lead to Carl Garrard on lap seven. Once Garrard took the lead he was never challenged again.\u00a0 Paul Richards, Jr. took second while Linda Badali finished third.<\/p>\n
In the Outlaw Modified Division the race was highly competitive with three time champion Raymond Jones leading the first several laps of the race.\u00a0 NorthPort driver, Mike Endee kept pressuring Jones until he passed him on lap ten and never looked back.\u00a0 Endee stretched his lead to half a lap by the end of the 25 lap feature.\u00a0 Second place was secured by Jones and Doug Hopper finished third.<\/p>\n
The Rookie truck division had seven cautions in the 15 lap feature, one of which resulted in a top contender, James Bullard ending with a wrecked car.\u00a0 The race was an exciting battle between Kelli Burns, Michael Atwell, and Chad Chastain with the three of them exchanging positions until Burns took the top spot and held off her challengers.\u00a0 Atwell finished a strong second with Chastain pressuring Atwell to the end of the race.<\/p>\n
The Road Warriors division always brings thrills to the Punta Gorda Speedway crowd and opening night was no exception.\u00a0 The father-son team of Shane and Logan Leonard was a race within a race.\u00a0 The two competed for third place before making contact sending Shane into a spin.\u00a0 Then just a few laps later Shane was following Logan into turn one when Logan lost his steering and his dad was caught up in the resulting wreck. Neither car was able to finish the race. Leader Chris Scott was challenged throughout the race by Richard Nelson who finished second. \u00a0Randy Kile edged out Rick Reed, 2010 champion, for third.<\/p>\n
The Dwarf Cars ran the Tommy Bowles classic and despite numerous cautions leader Bo Bass led the race from green to checkered. The race is run annually to honor race driver Tommy Bowles who lost his life at the track in 1999. This year\u2019s classic was led the entire way by Bo Bass although he was first challenged by Andy Prior and Mike Belazar. \u00a0Belazar who was put to the back of the pack following an early spin out raced his way back to fifth position by the end of the race.\u00a0 Andy Prior finished second behind Bass while third place went to Larry Hubbard Jr.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/PuntaGordaOpenNightCrash-275x206.jpg\" "\\"PuntaGordaOpenNightCrash\\"")
<\/a>.\u00a0 The crowd was silenced as it watched for a few anxious moments as veteran driver Phil Morrison was shaken up and slow to get out of his car.\u00a0 Fortunately, all drivers involved, including Morrison were uninjured.\u00a0 Their cars were not so lucky.\u00a0 All six cars had to be towed from the track.\u00a0 The officials called the race giving the cars leading at the time an official finish.\u00a0 At the time of the accident Steven Darvalics was leading and was awarded first place.\u00a0 Josh Williams was given second place while Mike Smith was awarded third. One of the drivers involved in the accident was guest celebrity Bubba \u201cThe Love Sponge\u201d Clem from FM 102.5.\u00a0 While his car was being towed, he entertained and pleased the crowd by signing autographs.<\/p>\n