Old Dominion Speedway / June 1, 2002
Southard Dominates Takes Home First Win In 2002 ..
Mike Southard from Nokesville Va, piloting the Posner Industries
/ ARDEX Chevrolet, took home his first feature win in 2002, and second career win overall
Saturday night in the 75 lap feature for the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Presented by
Dodge Late Model Stock Cars. Southard took over the lead at about the one quarter mark,
and held off the Popeyes Chicken Chevy of Mark McFarland for the win. Southard led
qualifying with a 15.838 lap on the hot evening, barely beat McFarland who turned in a lap
of 15.865. Stan Owens rounded out the top three in qualifying with a 15.870 lap in his
Tire Plus / Dudley Martin Chevrolet / Shelter Systems Chevy. When the green dropped,
polesitter Brian Jenkins took the 18 car field into turn one, and led for several laps. It
was then Mike Darne who took over the to spot until an incident involving Tom Hall and
Richard Boswell occurred in turn one. Boswell and Hall spun right in front of Darne, who
stopped to avoid the melee. Southard was able to turn hard left and avoid the wreck. This
handed the lead to Southard, who would never look back and dominate the remainder of the
75 lapper. McFarland was able to close the gap after a late race caution, but had nothing
for the red and white machine of Southard. "Man, its really nice to be able to
have a brand new car that drives this good" and elated Southard said afterwards.
" I told you guys earlier today that I thought this car had a win in it tonight"
he added. The win was a very popular one, as the crowd applauded as Southard came out of
his car in victory lane. Rounding out the top for spots at the end were McFarland, Owens,
and Chuck Lewis in the Bonebrake Printing Chevy. The top five was Lewiss career
best.
Willard Lawrence did what only one other driver has done all season, and that was beat
defending track champ Jimmy Hardin. Lawrence took over the lead early in the 50 lap event,
and won his first feature in the Redman Fleet Service Grand Stock division. Hardin
finished a close second, followed by Mark Miller, and Chris Donnelly. Mike Carte took home
his second feature win in 2002 in the 30 lap Mini Stock feature. Carte beat Tom Beckman
and defending track champ Sean Dawson to the line for the win. Jeff Sisak broke into the
win column for the first time in 2002, taking the checkers in the 25 lap Gaston Automotive
Speedway Sportsman event. Sisak took the lead late from James Lucas, and won by two car
lengths. In a wild finish, Nick Carslon won the 25 lap INEX Legends event after an
incident involving Brian Curry and Roger Austin Jr. on the final lap. Curry was the
leader, with Austin trailing close behind. Carlson was 3 car lengths back in third. As
Curry and Austin exited turn two on the final circuit, Austin made contact with Curry,
sending Curry into a wild slide. Austin continued, but was not given the checkered flag.
Carlson was declared the winner, while Austin was relegated to the 13th spot.
Next Saturday night will be the Baileys 200 lap feature for the Late Models. Also on
the schedule is a 50 lap feature for the Grand Stocks, 30 laps for the Mini Stocks, and 25
laps for the Speedway Sportsman. In addition, the Champ Karts and Mini Cups are scheduled
for 20 laps each. Qualifying begins at 5:15 PM, with racing for the Champs and Mini Cups
beginning at 6:30 PM. Stock car racing begins at 7:00 PM.