Punta Gorda, FL- In this day and age, if a youngster's name is mentioned in the same breath with law enforcement it is usually for a negative reason. The local Do the Right Thing programs have changed all that by partnering law enforcement and local businesses to present a positive reward program for youth who make positive contributions to society. Charlotte County Speedway hosted its Second Annual Do the Right Thing Night on June 3 to honor these positive role models. One of the young people honored was Miss Charlotte County Speedway herself, Allison Carmean, who is one of the two Students of the Year for the Lee County Sheriff's Office Do the Right Thing program. Throughout the year, CCS donates passes to the overall monthly winners for four regional Do the Right Thing programs and gives a free pass to each Punta Gorda Police Department monthly winner.

In conjunction with Do the Right Thing Night, the 911 Racing Division made an appearance at CCS after being rained out earlier this season. This division is made of up law enforcement officers from all over the state who race for children's charities. With red and blue lights flashing on the tops of their cars, they ran their 20 lap feature. Hollywood police officer Rick Penton took the win with John Zurenda (Pinellas Park Police Department) and Phil Riles (St. Pete Beach Police Department) finishing second and third. Penton also took a heat win, as did Keith Muncy (Sarasota County Sheriff's Office).

The FASTRUCKS made their second appearance this year at CCS with Todd Bontrager (Sarasota) taking fast time in qualifying. Gary Foxworth started in the pole position and led the first laps, despite several caution flags. Shawn Icely (Sarasota) went into the evening two points ahead of Bontrager in their points battle and Icely maintained second position while Bontrager banged his way up through the field to be in third position by lap 8, passing Icely for second on the tenth lap. However, debris from Bontrager's truck brought out the caution flag causing the field to revert back to the last completed lap which sent Icely back up to second and Bontrager to the pits to have more sheet metal pulled from his car. Bontrager returned to the race at the back of the pack and began passing a car a lap while Icely inherited the lead after Foxworth experienced mechanical problems. Paul Grynewicz (Hudson) passed Icely for the lead and took the win where he was followed by Icely and Charlie Worth (Locahatchee) while Bontrager finished fourth allowing Icely to maintain the points lead.

The Florida Dwarf Federation brought their miniaturized vehicles to the track for their monthly appearance. Alain Paradis (Miramar) took the win, followed by George Landis (Boynton Beach) and Mark Landis (Delray Beach). Dennis "The Real" Diehl (West Palm Beach), George Landis and Andre Gagnon (Hollywood) were heat winners.A 50-lap Cat Country Limited Late Models race took place, ushering in a new format for the division, as well as more money for the weekly winner. Jeff Dufresne (Fort Myers) took an early lead with Glenn Morris (Bokeelia) and Mike Greenwell (Alva) battling behind until they came together causing Morris to spin and Greenwell to go to the rear. Greenwell then drove like a man possessed, steadily making his way back to the front, taking the lead from Dufresne on the 31st lap. From then on, the rest of the field was left in Greenwell's dust as he built a straight-away advantage over Point Leader Chris Libak (Fort Myers) and Dufresne. When the checkered flag flew, Greenwell was declared the winner with Libak and Dufresne rounding out the Top 3. Morris and Johnny "Action" Jackson (Ellenton) took home heat wins.

Jerry Bryant (Punta Gorda) dominated the Marlow-Werner Sportsman feature, taking the win with 1999 Champion "Smoldering" Dan Atwell (Naples) finishing second and James Dubose (Arcadia) third. Bryant also took the checkers first in his heat race, as did Ralph Goddard (Naples).

Steve Arnold (Cape Coral) took the win in Big Wheels Mini Stocks with Keith Risinger (Fort Myers) and Chase Goodson (West Palm Beach). Heat winners were Danny Yates (Cape Coral) and Brian Richardson (North Fort Myers). The SARA Pro Trucks return to the Speedway on June 10. They will be joined by the limited late models, pure stocks, road warriors, Cowboy Cadillacs and mini cups.Charlotte County Speedway is located at 8655 Piper Road, I-75 exit 28, and follow the Charlotte County. Airport signs. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 6 p.m. For more information, call 941/575-2442.#
CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPEEDWAY RACE RESULTS JUNE 3, 2000

by Robin Meiser

Florida Dwarf Cars
1. Alain Paradis #40
2. George Landis #5
3. Mark Landis #22
4. Brian Paradis #68
5. Michel Fortin #11

911
1. Rick Penton #99
2. John Zurenda #00
3. Phil Riles #28
4. Al Doane #6
5. Matt Schwab #83

FASTRUCKS
1. Paul Grynewicz #48
2. Shawn Icely #27
3. Charlie Worth #03
4. Todd Bontrager #8
5. Steve Anderson #40

Cat Country Limited Late Models
1. Mike Greenwell #39
2. Chris Libak #64
3. Jeff Dufresne #3
4. Glenn Morris #107
5. Richie Anderson #51

Big Wheels Mini Stocks
1. Steve Arnold #19
2. Keith Risinger #94
3. Chase Goodson #16
4. Johnny Allen #68
5. Frank Welch #96

Marlow Werner Sportsman
1. Jerry Bryant #9
2. Dan Atwell #55
3. James Dubose #67
4. Buzz Martin #62
5. Raymond Jones #8

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