McFarland led qualifying for the 11th time this season with a 15.472 lap in his Popeye’s Dodge, followed by Mike Colabucci with a 15.622 lap. With the inversion, Jack Bailey in the Century 21 Realtors Ford wound up on the pole with the American Truck and Trailer Chevy of Mark Jenkins on the outside of row one. Mike Southard lined his Try-It-Racing Chevy up on the inside of row two, with Colabucci’ s Dodge to his outside. Bailey led the charge of 24 cars into turn one, with Jenkins in tow. Southard was able to put Jenkins back another spot, and set his sights on Bailey. McFarland pushed Jenkins back yet another spot and passed Southard after just a few laps. Jenkins began to fade, as he had developed brake problems. He was able to salvage a 7th place finish with his ill handling machine. McFarland then passed Bailey for the lead before the halfway point, and began to stretch his lead on each lap. The scariest moment of the race came when Mike Southard was tagged in turn 4 by Colabucci as the two were battling for position. Southard slammed into the fence and came back across the track in the path of Dave Carter, who slammed into Southard’s Right rear. Southard was helped from his machine, but was okay. Carter was also helped out of his ride, and he too was okay. The race continued after the lengthy red-flag condition, and McFarland sped to the win with ease. Following McFarland across the stripe was Bailey, followed by Danny Fair, Doug Liberman, and Jimmy Hardin.
Willard Lawrence picked up his 7th win of the season, and took over the point lead as well, as he took the checkers in the 50 lap Redman Fleet Service Grand Stock 50 lap event. It’s been Lawrence and Donnelly all season long as they have battled for the wins and the point lead, and with this win, Lawrence take the lead by just 2 points. Following Lawrence and Donnelly across the stripe was Ron Jardine, Mark Winstead, and Jim Todd Jr.
Apparent winner Tim Canipe was disqualified at post race inspection, so Colt White was declared the winner of the special 75 lap feature for the Mini Stocks. Post race inspection revealed an illegal carburetor, among other items, which in turn handed the win to White. Finishing second was Vince Langan, followed by Tom Beckman, and Keith Riley. Point leader Mike Carte had mechanical problems on the first lap, and called it a night after just one lap. This problem, along with White’s win, pushed White into the point lead. He now has a scant two point lead over Carte.
Jamie DeMattio held on for the win in the 25 lap Gaston Automotive Speedway Sportsman feature over James Lucas. Lucas, who had been involved in an incident before the race even started, exchanged cars with teammate Joe Edwards, and came from the rear of the field to finish second. Mark Averi finished third, followed by David Smith, and Matt Lloyd.
Roger Austin Jr. extended his point lead over Kyle Hendershott by winning his 4th INEX Legends feature of the season. Finishing second was Craig Goess, followed by Jason Miller, Kyle Hendershott, and Kevin Yeatts.
Next Saturday night, the Late Models are featured in the Popeye’s “No Beef” 200 lap event. The winner of the event, and quite possibly a fan, could each receive $2500.00. Also on the schedule is a 50 lap Grand Stock feature, a 30 lap Mini Stock feature, and a 25 lap Speedway Sportsman feature. Qualifying gets underway at 5:15 PM, with racing action set for 7 PM.
