(Lake City, FL; 9/16/2000) Legends' graduate Jay Middleton held off the advances of Al Beckleheimer, Jr. to win Saturday night's Late Model Stock 25-lap headliner for his first win ever at Columbia Motorsports Park.

Bubba Norton, Beckleheimer and John Crawford each led early in the run, but a twin spin by Norton and Crawford battling for the lead on lap 21 told the tale. Both drivers went to the back of the field while Middleton took command and ran to the checkers ahead of Beckleheimer for the victory. Crawford came back to claim third ahead of Norton and Fain Skinner.

The 20-lap Florida Modified event saw former champion J.F. McClellan pace the first 15 laps until Shannon Smith put his brightly colored No. 99 under the veteran for the lead on lap 16. From there, it was a dash to the line with Smith the victor ahead of McClellan, Crawford, Bill Hobson and Shawn Taylor.

Jason Garver appeared to have the Street Stock 20-lapper well in hand and took the checkers first, but problems in post-race tech relegated him to last with Jeff Prescott, the events early leader, getting the victory over Gale Grayer. Charles Seroki, Oral Tanner and Brad Fiene were next for the stripe.

The Pure Stock 20-lapper ended much the same as the Street Stocks with
apparent winner Danny Coleman denied at the scales. Jerry Fortner was awarded top money ahead of point leader William Jerkins, early leader Troy Davis, Nevin Gainey and Pam McRae.

David Marsh topped the visiting Classic Race Cars run with a good drive over Jim Rahman and David Nunes.

-Marty Little-


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