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2001
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| A Late Model Thriller At DeSoto Speedway | 
Cope Holds off Drawdy, Boyd for Third A.A.C.S. Win
By Rick Anges
Bradenton, Fl. - The A.A.C.S. Super Late Models hit the high banks of DeSoto Speedway during the heat of the day for qualifying Saturday and most of the cars were having a hard time hooking up. Justin Drawdy didnt show any signs of problems sticking to the hot surface and once again was fast qualifier on the 3/8 oval. With the roll of the die though Drawdy and second fast qualifier Joe Boyd #5 were relegated back to the fifth row to start the one hundred and twenty-five lap main event.
Johnny Jackson #1 was the early leader jumping out to a comfortable five-car length lead over second place Bobby Coyle #64. But Mr. Excitement Jimmy Cope #61 was on a tear coming through the field from his eighth starting position and by lap twenty he passed Jackson on the outside to take the lead.
The first caution of the night came out when Mason Love in the #71 appeared to have broken something in the front end and slammed the turn three wall hard. Love looked a little shaken when he got out of his ride but was able to walk away from the battered race car.
On the restart all eyes were on the young gun Drawdy, as he was able to put his car anywhere on the track using the inside and outside grooves to make passes at will. Also on the move was Boyd, the black #5 was hooked up and moving towards the front.
Getting to the front was the easy part for Drawdy, getting by the veteran Cope was another thing. Lap after lap Drawdy would make the move on Cope only to have him take him high and retain the lead. Not making it an easier was Boyd right on the #12s bumper looking to move into the second spot and challenge for the lead.
With the fans on their feet and cheering like there was no tomorrow Drawdy made his move late in the race but made contact with the #61 who went around in a cloud of smoke.
 Much to the dismay of the crowd Drawdy was sent to the rear of the lead lap.
Within five laps of the green Justin showed just how much power he was putting to the asphalt and had made his way back up past Boyd and was once again looking at Copes rear bumper.
Drawdy made a gallant last lap effort but came up just a nose short with Cope just holding him off at the stripe as the crowd went wild in the stands.
Boyd held on for a strong third place finish, B.J. McLeod #78 took a solid fourth and rounding out the top five was the Felda Flash #89 Lee Collins.
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