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| Jamie Burrows Wins SARA Modified Opener | The 2001 SARA Bearden Oil Open-Wheel Modified season began where it left off with last year and the new tire rule would be the subject of conversation in the pit area before and after the race. Twenty-One cars from across the state made the trip to the USA International Speedway for the 35 lap event that followed the USAR Hooters Pro Cup inaugural event for the 2001 season. The treaded tire was suppose to slow the field down and make the racing more competitive, as well as keep the cost down for all the competitors. "It puts the emphasis back on the chassis man and the driver" said Rick Day, President of the SARA Series.
It was very warm during practice, and cars were slipping and sliding all over the track. Many drivers like the 2000 SARA Series Champion Jerry Symons, Dwayne Dempsey and others were clearly uncomfortable on the so called "restrictor tires", while Jamie Burrows and Skip Honaker were taking advantage of the confusion of the other teams. Dempsey quickly overcame his inexperience on the new tire, and set fast time during qualifying, turning a 22.655 on the 3/4 mile oval. Burrows followed up with a 22.668 and although thinking he might be experiencing engine problems, Skip Honaker qualified 3rd with a 22.936. Steve Perez and Larry O'steen rounded out the top five qualifiers. After pills were drawn, veteran driver Larry O'steen took the pole position with Symons on the outside of row one. The youngster from Tampa, Fl, Aric Almirola and John Grimm were on the third row and Dempsey and Honaker made up the fourth row. Burrows and Kiki Thomas rounded out the top ten.
On the very first lap, O'steen got tagged out of turn four and hit the inside retaining wall on the way into turn one, bringing his night to an early end. Loose conditions and the new tires kept the drivers working hard to keep their cars on the bottom of the track. Jerry Yarbrough had a great run going until lap 13 when he and Jim Flynn got together out of turn two ending his night. Burrows had worked his way to the lead with Dempsey and Symons close behind. Steve Hauser, who started in 18th position, showed his patience, and finally worked his way around Aric Almirola on lap 27 for fourth place.
Almirola had one of the best runs of his young career until on lap 24, Honaker's engine finally let go, sending him straight into the turn one wall. Aric was collected along with Jeremy Gerstner and Russ Thomson. Aric was transported to the hospital complaining of a shoulder injury. Burrows clearly had the race in hand and picked up the first victory of the 2001 race season. Dempsey finished second, Symons third, Steve Hauser, Jr. 4th and John Anderson would inherit 5th after John Grimm failed to make it through tech. Both Dempsey and Symons made reference to the fact that Burrows had the advantage on the new tires because of his experience on dirt. "We've been brides maids a couple of times for the Series Championship. This is a great start for 2001" said Burrows. The next event for the SARA Bearden Oil Open-Wheel Modified Series will be at the St. Augustine Speedway on March 17th.
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