(St. Augustine, FL; 7/23/2000) On a night run under the specter of both impending rain and last weekend's tragic winged sprint accident, Jimmy Britts turned a fifth place start into victory Saturday night at Florida Speed Park in the Ricks Muffler Modified division, dispatching of Chuck Cumby by lap 12 and holding on for a convincing win in the 30-lap feature.

Robert Deal, the division points leader, who again started at the rear of the field in order to accumulate additional charger points, slipped past Cumby on lap 24 for second place, but was no match for the speedy Britts. Cumby finished the night in third.

"We were quite surprised after our practice run today," said Britts. "But, we did a little homework and got the race car back in victory lane."

Jerry Lee Yarbrough, in his first start of the season, placed a very impressive fourth, and Larry Osteen, playing double duty in the Late Models, rounded out the top five.

Troy Kruse took advantage of an unassisted spin by race leader, Steve Thompson, on lap 12 of the Tattoo Dees Old Rooster Mini-Stock feature and drove to victory, continuing an impressive string of outings for the driver of the No. 6 car. Vern Rozier capitalized on a last lap altercation between Jay Farris and Tim Riviere to claim second, while Farris recovered to finish third. Jason Miller and Mickey Leth rounded out the top five.

"I saw Steve looping over there and, you know I'd rather race him than to take it like that," said Kruse. "But, I'll take it any way they're going to give it to me."

Todd Ponce returned to victory lane in the Sportsman division, outgunning Jason Garver and Scott Hezel for his eighth win of the points season. Ronnie Tillman and Jeff McClary rounded out the top five. During the victory lane ceremony, Jason Garver was presented with a first place trophy he earned during a Sportsman race a month ago, where both he and Joey Haslauer were awarded a co-victory following a compromise on an engine protest call.

Mike Ponce stormed to an impressive win in the Thunder Truck division, outdistancing Wade Lynn, Ron Thomas, Mark Lento, and Les Burl for his second victory of the season. The race was slowed by a caution at the midway point when Wade Lynn, running second, spun in turn 4, collecting Ron Thomas. The two took their badly damaged trucks to the rear of the field only to come back and finish in their positions before the accident.

The Twin-25 Late Model features were combined into one 50 lap, double points event at the request of drivers prior to the start of racing. Tommy Denton, starting on the outside pole, looked impressive early, holding off the talented, charging field. Jared Allison passed Denton on lap 11 and held off a strong pack including Scotty Lagasse, Larry Osteen, and Donnie Oden until Lagasse's pass on lap 41 gave the No. 22 driver the lead that he would not relinquish. Lapped traffic on lap 48 disjointed Allison, allowing Osteen and Oden to slip past for second and third place finishes, respectively. Allison held on for fourth, and visiting driver, Scott Stevens, took fifth.

Official Late Model results are pending upon the further testing of a fuel sample taken from the Lagasse car following the event. The test will determine whether or not the fuel contains certain additives which are not allowed under track rules.

Tony Wishard was victorious in the Nations Rent Demolition Derby, smashing his Wild Bill's #12 to victory over Ronald Flack. Alex Kimmel and Arthur Souther tied for third.

The speedway is closed July 29th and will return to action August 5th with a special event Sportsman race, plus other local divisions.

Race Results for Saturday, July 22, 2000

Modifieds
1. Jimmy Britts
2. Robert Deal
3. Chuck Cumby
4. Jerry Yarbrough
5. Larry Osteen
6. Mike Batten
7. George Michael
8. Jason Lowe
9. Joshua Byrd
10. Mark Bergman
11. David Linquist

Sportsman
1. Todd Ponce
2. Jason Garver
3. Scott Hezel
4. Ronnie Tillman
5. Jeff McClary
6. Joey Parks

Mini-Stocks
1. Troy Kruse
2. Vern Rozier
3. Jay Farris
4. Jason Miller
5. Mickey Leth
6. Todd Ponce
7. Steve Thompson
8. Peedie Allison
9. Tim Riviere
10. Mike Gibbs
11. Mike Sible
12. Mike Stover
13. Curt Messina
14. Jake Hartley
15. Mark Smith
16. Kevin Burkett

Thunder Trucks
1. Mike Ponce
2. Wade Lynn
3. Ron Thomas
4. Mark Lento
5. Les Burl
6. Mike McGauley
7. Alan Moore

Late Models (Unofficial)
1. Scotty Lagasse
2. Larry Osteen
3. Donnie Oden
4. Jared Allison
5. Scott Stevens
6. Jeremy Fitch
7. Dustin Chambers
8. Dave Hussey
9. Mickey Leth
10. Chris Tedder
11. Tommy Denton
12. Jody Turner



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