by Donnie Helmly GRAND AMERICAN Three double features at Jax Raceways after last week's rain out. The Grand American first feature saw a first time winner in two years with Marty Whitener leading the field flag to flag. Whitener was driving the car of George Thrift with a pole starting position. When the green flag fell, he took control of the race and the victory. Steve Whitener and Kevin Bayless ran second and third. Heat went to Bayless
Steve Whitener made it lucky 13 after winning the second Grand American feature. Whitener drove Randall Rye's car after having mechanical problems with his regular ride. Starting from the 8th spot, he worked his way to the front on lap 8. Kenny Bayless took the lead from the start but got spun out on lap six. George Thrift took over the lead for two laps when his engine blew putting him out of the race. Whitener picked up the top spot at that point to lead the remaining laps to the stripe. Mark Whitener and Buster DeLay ran second and third. Heat went to Steve Whitener.
SPORTSMAN Craig Smith went to victory lane to win his second feature race this year in the 20 lap Sportsman feature. Smith led the 17 car field flag to flag. At the finish line, Bubba Clark made a protest against Smith but later in the night withdrew his protest. Randy Clark Sr. and Bubba took second and third. Heats went to Tim Nolan and Bubba.
Priscilla Yergy caught Tim Nolan sleeping on a restart at lap 8 to slide to the inside of Nolan and gain the lead and to the win 20 lap Sportsman feature. This gave Yergy her fourth win of the season. Nolan had to settle for second and Bubba Clark took third. Heats to Bubba and Randy Clark Sr.
PURE STOCK John Lester was a first time winner this year after taking the lead of the 15 lap Pure Stock feature from Boy O'steen who had led 11 laps. Lester went to the inside of O'steen with Ronald Brought squeezing through to take over second. O'steen had to settle for third at the finish line. Brian Smith and Lester took the heats.
Brian Smith came back in the second Pure Stock feature to lead the field flag to flag. The last five laps of the race, Perry Dowling and Chris Thompson battled for the second spot and at the stripe, Thompson crossed the line ahead of Dowling only by inches. Dowling and Ray Pruett were the heat winners.
LATE MODEL
You could not have found any one more excited than Allan MacCurrach after winning the Late Model feature. MacCurrach started second row inside and when the green flag waved, he made his way to the lead and held back Joey Miller and David Browning for 30 laps to crossed the stripe for his first ever win. With no cautions, Mac Currach drove a smooth race not making any mistakes. Miller and Browning crossed the stripe for second and third. Heat went to Buster DeLay.
