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MAY 29, 2007 |
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GREGA CLAIMS DIXIE CUP SERIES WIN Birch Run, MI (5/25) John Grega demonstrated why there's no substitute for experience as he cruised to victory in the opening round of the A+ Supply Dixie Cup Series at Dixie Motor Speedway. Despite not having the car as fast as he usually does, he bested a field of the best outlaw hotshoes in the Midwest. 28 Outlaw Super Late Models timed in for the 100-lap event, with Harold Fair, Jr. setting the pace with 14.576. At last year's "150", Saginaw's Norm Davis had the car to beat until a flat tire ended his chances for the win. This time he "messed up" during qualifying but said the car was good as he won the 15-lap Last Chance race with Jerry Artuso in tow. Series defending Champion John Grega uncharacteristically started on the pole with Brent Jack along side. To the surprise of the strong Memorial Day Weekend crowd, Jack got the advantage on 2 straight starts and put some distance between himself and Grega but his engine quit just 3 laps in with apparent ignition woes, handing the lead over to Grega. Steve Sauve moved into 2nd and applied plenty of pressure on the restarts. Meanwhile, Scott Hantz and Fair were being held up by David McManus. Hantz made a run on the outside of McMannus off of turn 4 but McManus drifted up to the wall, nearly taking out both machines, Fast-timer Fair was ready for the opportunity as he made a move by both of them to get the 3rd spot. Back at the front, the 2 Hall of Fame drivers stayed in front with Grega taking the checkered flag. In the face of an overheating problem, Sauve, who had not been up to his normal form the past 2 seasons, was pleased to have a good run coming home in 2nd in a tough field. Rounding out the top 5 were Fair, Hantz and Davis who survived an early altercation to finish 5th. Don Stuck led qualifying for the Drive Train Specialists Sportsman division with a 17.392, while last week's feature winner Kyle Hayden took the heat race. The action in the 20-lap feature was tight as usual with Rick Osborne, Jr. taking the early lead. John Summers past him 1 lap later, but Dale Malusi got by on lap 3. Stuck caught up with Malusi and Summers and the 3 cars waged a real battle until the very end. But Malusi held them off, taking his 2nd feature of the season. Stuck, Summers, Mark Super and Hayden rounded out the top 5. Former track champ Jim Miller, Jr. led time trials for the Right Way Automotive Factory Stocks with a 16.344. Miller and Cam Hiltz took heat race honors. Jerry Gagnon jumped out in front in the 25-lap feature and held it for the first 3 laps when Ed Newman, Jr. took over. Newman put some room between himself and the field the battle ensued behind him. The side-by-side action led to some exciting racing and a few altercations, but in the end it was Newman holding off Hiltz for the win. It was a family celebration in victory lane as Ed Newman, Sr. took 3rd spot. Gagnon and Kenny Stevens round out the top 5. Chad Lamson has been on fire this year in the Wilson Marine Bombers Friday was no exception, setting fast time with an 18.029. Jake Caverly and Jeff Roethlisberger won heat races. Duane Damon jumped out in front in the 20-lap feature and began to pull away. But Lamson, using the outside lane, caught on lap 13 and took over the point. Lamson held off some strong challenges to claim the victory with Troy Shinabager taking 2nd followed by Rob Kern, Damon and Andrew Burton. Another exciting M-15 Towing Figure-8 saw Duane Damon jump out in front early. The battle was for the 2nd spot with Scott Platz, Bob Kern and Andrew Burton going at it. With 4 laps to go the cars tangled in turn 4, jumbling up the order. In the end it was the "Pit Bull's" night, as Damon led all the way for the win. Platz took 2nd followed by Mike Wines, Burton and Jordan Lechota. Get all the latest auto racing news - Subscribe to MARC Times Racing News Today! |
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