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NAPA/Make-A-Wish Night-Track Championship |
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Written by Jessica Chauvin
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Friday, 29 August 2008 13:02 |
Well for any of you who were at Thunder Road last night, you already know what a fantastic, exciting night it was for ACT Late Model Eric Williams who won his very First King of the Road Championship. Winning by a mere 3 Points ahead of Phil Scott it was a deserving night for Williams’ after racing one of his best years at the track. I’d like to send out a BIG Congratulation to him and his family for their hard work and dedication.
Napa Flying Tiger’s started the night with their Double Feature 30 Lap race left over from the Calkins Portables/WDEV Radio night back on July 31. 7 of Dan Reed takes an early lead while 26, Michael Ziter & 68, Derrick O’Donnell rub as they battle for 2nd and 3rd. As Reed becomes loose, Ziter takes him on the outside for the lead position. Later in the race, the 18 of Lance Allen gets loose and goes into the front stretch wall with no caution being thrown. The 80 of Pete Ainsworth came from behind taking the 5th place position by a bumper. Top 5: Rookie 26,7,28,68,80.
The Allen Lumber Street Stocks started off the Regular evenings Qualifying rounds with no cautions, many 3-wide attempts and easy winners taking the lead from the start. Early in the 25 Lap Feature event, the 83 of Bunker Hodgdon goes over the Turn 2 hill. Not long after, the 82 of Joshua LaCourse goes off Turn 4 but is able to make it back out on his own and no caution is thrown. Michael Moore in the 06 takes the lead and holds it the remainder of the Race. He also took 1st in his Qualifying round. Top 3: 06, 34, 32
Our very own Power Shift Junkyard Warriors always have a fun filled night. Most drivers don’t have a care in the world and do this for the thrill and excitement. In the first Qualifying round 45___ takes a far lead and holds onto it for the win. Our sponsored driver, Mike Gay in the #30, finished 7th behind previous Point leader Jamie Davis. Jamie recently dropped down to 2nd in points and I hope he can get back up there between the Labor Day Classic race and the Milk Bowl. In the JYW 15 Lap Main event, Justin Prescott scored his first career victory. Top 3: Justin Prescott, Jeff Martin Jr., and Mark LaFleche.
The Napa Flying Tiger division had a quick night for Qualifying rounds, with the only caution coming out in the 3rd and final Heat. Then it’s onto the Consi and B-Feature. There was a little excitement and bumping in the B-Feature when ___ in the 04, got into the 80 of Pete Ainsworth and both were sent to the back of the pack and weren’t able to make up much ground after that. The Regular nights 30 Lap Feature found itself with another Rookie taking 1st place. Bobby Therrien stayed strong during the 30 laps and held on to win. Top 3: Bobby Therrien, Josh Demers, and Joe Steffen.
As they went into the Main event Qualifying rounds, ACT Late Model drivers, Eric Williams, Phil Scott and Chris Michaud all had their Eyes on the King of Road Title. With just 16 point separating Williams and the others tied for 2nd/3rd, anything could happen with one wrong move. Each driver started 6th in each of the 3 Qualifying Heats. Scott ran the first Heat and finished 2nd sending him to the Semi giving him the opportunity to gain even more points on Williams. Michaud finished 6th in the second Heat, and Williams 4th in the third. After running in the Semi round for Bonus Points, Scott brought the Point tally to only 9 Points between him and Williams. This meant that Williams’ could finish no more 4 Positions behind Scott in the Feature and if Scott won, Williams’ would HAVE to finish 2nd to still get Champion. The fight was on as the 50 Lap Feature got underway.
For most of the Race, the 7 of Williams trailed Scott and stayed right up tight as to not let many positions in between. Williams knew what he had to do to win and he was going to fight to get there. 46 took an early lead and held on for the majority of the race. Then at Lap 31 and mysterious event happened to Matt White and the Caution was thrown. Since most eyes were on the three Point Leaders all night, not many witnessed the event with White, but did notice the 26 of Donahue get into Williams spinning him out. Many fans thought this was great for Scott but since Williams was spun AFTER the Caution was thrown, 7 was awarded his Spot back and Scott and Williams were 7th and 8th at the Re-start. With only 19 laps to go, Scott and Williams were neck & neck both craving the Track title. Later with only 3 Laps to go, Williams was 5 positions behind meaning he would lose the Championship. However, he gave those 3 laps his all and found a break passing Mike Bailey and Tony Andrews leading the way to Eric Williams very First Thunder Road “King of the Road” Championship. Phil Scott ran a great race and should be proud of the 3 Point difference between the two. Now it’s time for all the Late Model drivers to get ready for this weekend’s famous Labor Classic Race on Sunday August 31. See you there!!
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