Trackside Tidbits, by Debi Domby
Trackside Tidbits, by Debi Domby
Defending A-division champion Dan Ford Jr., had to make two pit stops early in the event for an apparent fuel leak. By my count, he was about 10 laps down and rejoined the field after the second stop on lap 19. He rejoined the field and began his trek towards the front. On lap 69, he passed then leader Jarod MacZink, to unlap himself, gaining one lap back. I can't remember the last time I saw someone unlap themselves ... really quite a run. According to his dad, two weeks ago he was well over 100 points ahead of Tim Moore, but two real lousy weeks puts Ford in second place.
Jarod MacZink led the middle point of the race, leading a race high 36 laps. MacZink finished third, a career best finish. "We got real loose after the long caution for Terry Lilly. The car was great until then."
The other lap leader was Dennis Whisman, who led the first 34 laps, which may be the first ones he's led in the street stock division. He pitted to fix an ignition problem but returned many laps down.
Steve Prucnell finished 7th, a career best finish.
Jimmy Rae won the Street Stock B division feature. "Went pretty well. Got into Rich, I didn't mean to, it was just good hard racing. I want to thank my family, the Appersons and the fans. Also want to thank Leppen Chiropractic for sponsoring tonight," said the driver of the #1 car.
Greg Studt won the Figure 8 feature. "Needed to catch a break. They (the wins) don't come easy. It seems like there was more action tonight with the short field than when we have 20 cars," said the driver of the #33.
Now July 24th's races...
Ron Allen won his first Super Late Model race at Flat Rock since July 2007. He took the lead from the outside front row and never looked back. "I want to thank Jack and Henry and the crew. The car was perfect tonight, we made one adjustment before the feature and it was right on ... the car was just as fast at the end of the race as it was at the beginning of the race. Hope we can repeat again this week for Butch. Thanks to the sponsors Jacks Garage. Giles Auto Body, TwistedTtrader.com and Gonyea Auto Supply," said the driver of the #88.
Jimmy Ward drove his dad's, Bob, car tonight filling in for Brad Birr, who was attending a wedding tonight.
Don and Jason Burkhardt won their respective heats tonight.
Another Indiana driver stopped in to race tonight, but had problems and was unable to run. Terry Fischer is a regular on the CRA series.
The last two weeks, Dan Ford Jr. probably wishes to forget. Both races found him either finishing toward the back or dropping out. He lost over 100 points to Tim Moore during that time. Tonight things are on the upswing again. The defending defending champion won the race, and regained the points lead. "The car's been working well for the last few weeks, just couldn't catch a break. It's nice to be up here (being interviewed), it's been a while," said the driver of the Friendly Ford, Monroe Martial Arts, Remerica Country Homes, and Grafton Inn #99. "I am really pleased to be racing some new young talent in the division like the #43 car (Frank Jiovani). I believe with some chassis help this kid could compete at a Very high level. He reminds me of myself when I was 18 years old breaking in to the sport. I also think the #18 car (Josh Bunting) is doing a good job. This guy runs hard and stays under control." Thanks for the email.
It was Dan's 16th career A division win (tied for seventh on the all time list) and his first since August 2009.
Josh Bunting began racing street stocks a few races ago, moving up from the Factory Stocks. He led the first half the A division feature and hung on for second, his career best finish.
For the second time in three races, Steve Chartrand was the B division Street Stock feature winner. "We qualified with a bad spring set up. I want to thank everyone that helps me. I just want to have fun out here."
James Hazlett has bought the car formerly driven this season by Dennis Randall (and last year Randy DeMaggio owned the car). He finished 14th.
Brad Wyatt bought the car driven Dennis Whisman the last few races. He finished 17th in his first street stock race. I think this car has been through at least a half dozen owners since Brian Norton drove it.
That would be interesting to follow who originally owned your car. Some of these cars have been around for a while and wonder if there's any old championship cars around.
Jeremy Vanderhoof drove Harold Davis Jr.'s car tonight, setting fast time and finishing seventh in the A division feature.
Of the regular divisions running, everyone except the Figure 8 division (which didn't have a caution) only had one caution in their races. Great job everyone.
Greg Studt has been a regular lately in victory lane, winning the last two weeks. "I just wanna thank all my sponsors... Ray's Precision Engines, Leppen Chiropractic, Wine Town Party Store (Southgate), Motion Engineering, and Quality Clutches for their great support this season and past seasons. I also want to thank my dad who is the main reason we are fast this year, 2 wins in a row and lookin' for more next week," said the driver of the #33. Thanks Greg for the message.
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