December 14, 2004 Corteco Gaskets /GulfCoast Modifieds Have Big Evening at Charlotte County Speedway By Rick Warren The day that many people had worked so hard for, and many others thought would never happen, finally arrived. Charlotte County Speedway, devastated by hurricane Charlie earlier this year, was set to re-open. The skies looked as if mother nature would once again try to interfere with the racing activities, but all turned out well as the threat of rain dissipated and the racing went on as planned. A good turnout of fans were on hand , as well as a good field of modifieds. 27 racers signed in to take a shot at the race, and 26 of the cars took the green flag. Andrew Alderman was unable to make the field due to mechanical problems. Lee Collins was fast qualifier, his third this year in the series. After the top qualifiers cleared tech, the draw was held, and starting positions determined. Wayne Jefferson had the pole position, with Mike Hinegardner on the outside of the front row. Billy Mowery and Robby McAulliffe held the second row, followed by Lee Collins, Phil Morrisson, Doug Moff, John Anderson, Tommy Bower and Ralph Bowman rounding out the front ten starters. The race had it’s own unique set of circumstances, and threw a few curves at the drivers. Because of the massive rebuilding project, a few things were not quite completed in time for the race. In the drivers meeting, it was noted that the drivers would have to be on the watch for the secondary flagman on the back straight, as the track caution lights were not operating yet. Also noted was the fact that the scoreboard was not yet operational, which in and of itself was not a big deal, however it became much more difficult for spotters to keep track of the number of laps completed. Once again, the GulfCoast Modified drivers displayed their professionalism, and worked around the situation, and treated the fans to a very exciting and competitive race. When the green flag waved to start the race, Jefferson fired to the lead, with Mowery hooked to his bumper. Hinegardner, leading in points at the start of the race, dropped into third spot, followed by McAulliffe, Collins, Morrison, Moff, and Anderson. The first caution came out on lap 3 for Phil Morrison, spinning in turn 4. The race restarted with Morrison at the back of the field, and trying hard to work his way back to the lead pack. The field continued to jockey for position, with tight, hardnosed racing all around the track. The next caution was for Howard Skaggs spinning in turn 4. (exact lap not recorded due to lack of scoreboard) The running order of the top ten remained unchanged, and at the restart Mowery was all over Jefferson, like white on rice. Meanwhile, Hinegardner had his hands full with McAulliffe, Collins and Moff breathing down his neck. Caution again slowed the field when Butch Bassett spun in turn 2, and at the restart the running order for the top 10 was unchanged. A few short laps later caution was on the track again as the cars of Morrison and Jim Houle spun in turn 4. On the restart, Jefferson caught the field napping and was able to open a lead of several car lengths for the first time all evening. The big lead was short lived, however, as caution for the car of Mitch Korzinsky bunched the field. The field was ready for Jefferson's restart this time, and the racing was becoming more heated. Collins was working McAuliffe hard, and finally got by, only to see a caution wipe out the pass. On the restart, Jefferson failed to come up to speed as mechanical woes slowed the speedy racer, with Mowery inheriting the lead. Collins, who was second in the points race as this race began, was getting stronger with each lap. Collins was running hard, knowing that all he could do for the points was race for the win, and hope that Hinegardner finished far behind him. Collins drove by McAulliffe , and went after Hinegardner,who was running second at the time. Collins caught Hinegardner, and drove by him on the outside, and set sail for the leader. Hinegardner, now in third, had a race car that was getting harder to turn with each lap. Fans and crews watched as one car after after another worked by the points leader, and you could see people counting positions, trying to figure where these guys were in the points battle. The battle up front for the lead was a classic , involving two very competitive, yet very professional racers. The struggle was furious, and in the end, Mowery had enough steam to maintain a slight margin over Collins, and claim his first win in the GulfCoast Series. Mowery’s win reinforces the quality of competition in this series, as he became the eighth winner this year in this eight race series. In post race interviews, Mowery and Collins both said that their race cars were getting better with each lap. Collins felt that with a few more laps, he might have been able to drive by Mowery for the win. Mowery, quite naturally, and good naturedly, disagreed. Mike Hinegardner, despite an ill handling race car, held on for a solid sixth place finish, and claimed the Corteco Gaskets / GulfCoast Modifieds championship for 2004. Hinegardner was met on the front straight by his exuberant crew, and the celebration began. Our Congratulations go out to Mike Hinegardner and his crew for a most excellent Season. Hinegardner also claimed Rookie of the Year honors. Quite a night for the ACCXX Communication crew. The Corteco Gaskets / GulfCoast Modifieds have some big things planned for next year, and hope to see all of you at our events. As schedules and sponsors are announced, they will be posted at www.gulfcoastmodifieds.com Final Results - Charlotte County Speedway - December 11, 2004 1. #55m Billy “the Kid” Mowery 2. #89 Lee Collins 3. #46 Doug Moff 4. #1x John Anderson 5. #21 Joe Winchell 6. #1h Mike Hinegardner 7. #56 Robby McAulliffe 8. #82 Ralph Bowman 9. #51 Tommy Bower 10. # 9 Danny Partelo 11. #63 Phil Morrison 12. #22 John Godwin 13. #11 Mark Nelson 14. #88 Chris Robbins 15. #80 Jim Houle 16. #23 Butch Bassett 17. #55 Herman Brame 18. #2r Greg Reeves 19. #54 George Robinson 20. #1j Wayne Jefferson 21. # 8 Chris Escott 22. #17 Jimmy Wagner 24. #25 Bill Brewer 24. #81 Howard Skaggs 25. #83k Mitch Korzinsky 26. #34 Teddy Nelson DNS #83 Andrew Alderman Fast Qualifier Lee Collins Hard Charger Herman Brame Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!