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2001
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| BILLY BIGLEY TAKES ARCA/REMAX MEMPHIS 150 | by Thom Watson
(KNS)MEMPHIS, TN: What does .115 of a second mean to Billy Bigley Jr.? The margin of victory after 200 laps around the .75-mile oval at Memphis Motorsports Park in the ARCA/Remax Memphis 150.
After spinning on lap 170, Bigley was able to work his way back up to the front and finally make the pass by sentimental favorite Rick Carelli, for the win on the last turn of the last lap.
Rick Carelli, who has made a remarkable recovery from a near fatal accident at this same track just two years ago, was able to overcame that ghost and take the pole position for the Memphis 150. “Actually this means a lot, that wreck knocked me out of the truck series that year, basically. But I have been able to overcome it”.
At the drop of the green flag, points leader and outside pole sitter, Frank Kimmel quickly took the lead, but could only hold it until the fourth turn when he drifted high in the corner. This gave third place starter, Tim Steele enough of an opening to take the lead on lap one. Kimmel finally gathered it back, but by this time had dropped back to eighth place.
Bigley was hanging close to the front and after swapping third place with Robert Burroughs for a couple of laps, he was able to take the position for good on lap 12. By this time early leader, Steele, was having trouble and Carelli was able to take the lead on lap 13. Just three laps later, Steele was pulling into the garage and out of contention. Bigley was still on the prowl, and took over the point position on lap 19 as he drove deep into turn one and get by Carelli. Bigley was able to build his lead to five car lengths by lap 30. Two laps later, Largo’s Donnie Morelock, brought out a caution by spinning with Larry Hollenbeck in turn four.
Bigley was able to hold off the hard charging Carelli, but on a lap 67 restart, Carelli tapped Bigley. Bigley was sideways coming off turn four and was able to save it. While Carelli had to back off the throttle slightly, Kimmel was on the move and able to get side-by-side but was unable to make the pass. Seven laps later, Kimmel hit pit rode and took on right side tires. With no pressure from behind him, Carelli was able to get a great jump on a lap 77 restart and take the lead from Bigley.
After taking the lead, Carelli was on a rail until an eight car spin in turn four just before halfway. After being sure he lead at lap 100 to collect the halfway money, the top three of Carelli, Bigley and Burroughs came down pit road and all took on four new Hoosiers. Kimmel stayed out and inherited the lead. Carelli and Bigley were back in 7th and 8th on the restart. Bigley quickly got by Carelli and was again on the move. By lap 118 Bigley was in 4th, while Kimmel kept the lead. Kimmel got into an oil spot on lap 129, went sideways but was able to save it and continue leading. Two laps later Kimmels’ luck was up as he attempted to pass the lapped car of Hollenbeck. They traded paint and Hollenbeck nailed Kimmel in the left front as he spun in turn four. To add injury to insult, ARCA/Remax officials assessed a one-lap penalty and he ended up a lap down, right behind Bigley.
Bigley took over the lead during the caution, as Stanton Barrett pitted. Just after a restart on lap 138, Kimmel again had the front left fender rubbing and had to come in again. Kimmel’s tire story was over yet, as on lap 152, his left front went flat and this time, Kimmel came to a stop on the backstretch and the caution flew. Carelli, in third place decided to come in and take on four new tires and came out in 6th.
For more on Billy Bigley, Jr, Click Here!!
by Thom Watson
[Also: Thom Watson also reports on the Craftsman Truck Race]
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