The CLASSIC CARS AUTO RACING SERIES came to town Saturday night and put on a great show. Seventeen cars started the 25-lap feature that was action packed throughout. These machines are fiberglass replicas of the 1934-1940 Chevys and Fords perched atop what is basically a modified, V-8 powered 'full race' car.

David 'Fudd' Nunes of Orlando led the event from start to finish, but he had plenty of company from Rod Eary and Ed Yates who had worked their way through heavy traffic to challenge for the lead. The caution flew on lap 14, when Eddie Thornton, broke a wheel and spun. The re-start was only two laps old, when three more cars got together in turn four and eliminated pre-race favorites Tim Raymond and Danny Shearer. The re-start on lap 16 saw Nunes hold off a three car challenge of Ed Yates, Dan Hammerbeck , and Rod Eary for eight furious laps. The last lap was his, as he brought home his second career win.

SUPER STOCK

Bronson's own Arthur Conquest was declared the winner of this thunder and lightning division, after Wesley Keller's # 34 entry was found illegal ( motor) and was disqualified. Keller had led from start to finish, but it was Arthur Conquest who deserved the win after a hard fight with David Westrich. We're back tonite, said Arthur, " and we could not have done it without the tremendous help of Rob Cooper at Bronson Lube. He built us the motor to get here." David Westrich had a good run going and he and Brody Giddens had their own " private" battle for second. Giddens has been doing an outstanding job in Benny Hodge's # 18 machine. He is substituting for Benny's son, Bubba who is nursing an injured arm back to health. Westrich prevailed and finished second, while Giddens was third.

PURE STOCK

Tommy Ausburn, one of the veteran hard chargers at Bronson's bullring reminded me Saturday night, that while Jerome Brown and John Hughes constitute a good show. ( I've been referring to them as the " Jerome and John show"), their are many other drivers in the Pure Stock division deserving of applause and recognition for their driving. David Kidd, John Hedberg, and Jason Holbrook finished third through fifth, respectively, while Jerome went on to notch another win in his Cheifland Flea Market Camaro. Second place went to John Hughes as this division put on another one of their quality shows. I've said many a time, that the action at the 1/4 mile bullring is close and , at times, breathtaking. What the fans have been treated to the past couple of weeks is quality racing , as well. Congratualtions to all the drivers in this, and all the divisions that make up the Bronson Race Series. Tommy, by the way, has been in the seat of Jack Dampier's # 14 Monte Carlo for several weeks after his car was destroyed in a violent crash that took the machine "outta the ballpark" and over the first turn wall. Tommy's last outing in Jack's car brought him a second place finish, and it was enough to get Jack back in the car and try for a win. Look for close quarters, heavy duty action, as this division campaigns every Saturday night.

MINI-STOCK

Larry Goolsby won, " going away" Saturday night in the hotly contested " four banger" contest. Jeff Stalnaker was second and William Stalnaker was declared the third place finisher after Josh Hars, who had crossed the line in third, was disqualified after he refused to tear down for a post race protest. " The car was perfect, and FAST, tonite", Larry told me after the race. " I kept waiting for them ( the Stalnaker's and Hars) to catch up, but they never got there. I owe a lot of credit to my Dad, J&R Motorsports, and Mona for an engine that was flawless!" Come on out and meet the lady that built the motor for this win.

4-CYLINDER CRUISER

Jeff Stalnaker, Jr. was celebrating his fifteenth birthday this week and did it properly by notching a win in the Cruiser Class over Ryan Nagele of Citra, Fla. Mitch Clenny was third in the Gator Family Haircutters entry. You'd have a hard time, calling this class a " beginner class" as this group of talented drivers is now running nose to tail for their entire feature every week. The passing is professional and none of the guys is afraid to " trade a little paint" They are just a part of the show that make up the Bronson Race Series every week.

The track will be closed this weekend, in observance of the Fourth of July celebrations in the area. Saturday, July 8, the series kicks in for the second half of the season in a big way as the Late Model Sportsman cars come a callin' for their 50-lap Dash for Cash first prize of $ 1, 000. They will compete with the rest of the Bronson Race Series regulars . Gates open at 5:30. Racing is at 7:30. See you there.! On behalf of the staff , drivers, and crews at the " ullring", have a wonderful FOURTH!

-Gil Peck-

RESULTS

CLASSIC CARS

1) # 54 David " Fudd" Nunes, Orlando, Fla.
2) # 74 Ed Yates, Orlando, Fla.
3) # 2 Dan Hammerbeck, Clermont, Fla.
4) # 6 Rodney Eary, Orlando, Fla.
5) # 5 Jim Rahman, Orlando, Fla.

SUPER STOCK

1) # 70 Arthur Conquest, Bronson, Fla.
2) # 38 David Westrich, Old Town, Fla.
3) # 18 Brody Giddens, Bronson, Fla.
4 # 71 Eddie Killberry, Ocala, Fla.

MINI-STOCK

1) # 27 Larry Goolsby, Williston, Fla.
2) # 10 Jeff Stalnaker, Sr. , Ocala, Fla.
3) # 59 William Stalnaker, Ocala, Fla.
4) # 00 Mitch Clenny, Archer, Fla.
5) # 05 Kenny Drow, Williston, Fla.

PURE STOCK

1) # 25 Jerome Brown, Newberry, Fla.
2) # 77 John Hughes, Hernando, Fla.
3) # 03 David Kidd, Morriston, Fla.
4) # 5 John Hedberg, Beverly Hills, Fla.
5) # 17 Jason Holbrook, Morriston, Fla.

4-CYLINDER CRUISER

1) # 10 Jeff Stalnaker, Jr., Ocala, Fla.
2) # 9 Ryan Nagele, Citra, Fla.
3) # 25 Mitch Clenny, Archer, Fla.






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