BRONSON, FL (March 11, 2000) — John Hughes of Hernando, Fla., was one happy fella as he notched his first win of the season at the Bronson "bullring" last Saturday night in the Pure Stocks division.

Hughes, driving his no. 77 Camaro, survived a night of close, door-to-door racing that had several drivers fighting for the win.

The action started on the drop of the green flag as David Kidd, Tommy Ausborn, Stephen Seymour and Jerome Brown took off in a four-car battle for the lead. The action got a little rough coming out of turn four as these cars made it four-wide on lap 14.

They tangled as they exited turn four with damage to Corkey Miley's no. 93 Camaro and Kidd's no. 03 machine. Kidd was done for the night while Miley tried to continue, but to no avail as the accident claimed the better part of his right rear and the rear axle. Brown cut one of his brand new tires and was also unable to continue.

Seymour made a great charge from the back of the pack on the re-start, but just ran out of time and real estate to catch Hughes and Jerry Hodge in his pretty new no. 37 Buick Regal. Seymour, in the AutoZone no. 88 Camaro, did finish a strong third.

Clint Foley really knows his way around the high banks of the Bronson 1/4-mile, and Saturday night was no exception as he bided his time and waited to make the pass on Jeff Stalnaker Sr. for the Mini-Stock win.

Williston, Fla.'s Larry Goolsby was back in his familiar no. 27 seat and wasted no time in moving the car to the front. He finsihed third.

Kenny Drow started on the pole in his no. 05 machine and had a good race going until he tangled with Mark Sowell on lap 10.

Another driver with a brilliant showing was Josh "Thumper" Hars in the Dr. Jay's no. 04 from Williston. He gave Stalnaker all he could handle until the car broke midway through the race. This popular young man is making his presence known each and every Saturday night and is giving the veterans something to really think about. Come on out and watch this young man. He brings with him some of the most loyal and enthusiastic fans and the whole effort is fun to watch.

4-Cylinder Cruiser drivers, John Nabor and Al Bouchard, have teamed up to put together not only a pretty, but fast mini-truck. Nabor has this truck handling well and he can run just about any line he wants.

Saturday, he started fourth and moved the truck into position for the win again as he beat "Lil J" Jeff Stalnaker Jr. to the line. Ryan Nagele finished third in his no. 09 machine and Chad Dixon was fourth in his no. 27 Toyota.

Dixon won the heat race in his beautifully-prepared machine and proved he is going to give the front runners a run for their money.

This class contiues to grow and is a great way to get started in racing. If you happen to see a "bargain" four-cylinder Pinto or Toyota laying around, grab it! Get yourself a rule book, knock out the windows, put in a roll cage, weld the doors and hang on ... you're ready to go racing!

Late Model Sportsmans are geared up to run special series events at the "bullring" once per month ... and for lots of cash. These gorgeous, high-dollar speedsters will invade the speedway this Saturday night and run for $1,000 to win. A large field of cars is expected and will run with the rest of the Bronson Race Series.

A practice session will run on Friday night from 4-8:30 p.m. Grandstands will be closed. Pit admission is $5.

Saturday will also be "Camera Nite." Bring your camera out and enter your favorite photo with the speedway. It will be used in later publicity, if selected. Come watch the cars and stars of the "thunder and lightning" division as they visit from all areas of the state. Adult admission is $10. Pit passes are available on a limited basis at $20. Hot laps start at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m. See ya'll there.

RESULTS

PURE STOCK
1. #77 John Hughes, Hernando, Fla.
2. #37 Jerry Hodge, Cross City, Fla.
3. #88 Steve Seymour, Dunnellon, Fla.

MINI-STOCK
1. #7 Clint Foley, Dunnellon, Fla.
2. #10 Jeff Stalnaker Sr., Ocala, Fla.
3. #27 Larry Goolsby, Williston, Fla.

4-CYLINDER CRUISER
1. #3 John Nabor, Dunnellon, Fla.
2. #10 Jeff Stalnaker Jr., Ocala, Fla.
3. #9 Ryan Nagele, Citra, Fla.

By Gil Peck



Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
or send a letter to the editor!