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| NOLES TAKES SECOND STRAIGHT WIN IN PARTS PRO TRUCK SERIES | by Thom Watson
(KNS)LAKELAND: Josh Noles took over the lead and went on to win the Sun Clear 100 Parts Pro Truck Series race at USA International; Speedway, when Randy Gilbert’s right front tire went flat during a caution period after Clay Young slammed into the turn one wall extremely hard on what would normally have been the white flag lap. The Parts Pro Series officials had given the Gilbert the white flag on lap 100 and shortly afterward Young went hard into the wall and was blocking the track. Under the rules, if the track is blocked, even on the last lap, the official has to throw the caution flag in the name of safety.
This brought a green-white-checker finish, but during the clean up, leader Randy Gilbert’s right front went flat and he had to pit, which gave the lead to Noles. Noles had led twice before in the race for seven laps each time. Dusty Williams, the defending champion started on the outside pole and took the lead on the second lap and was able to lead until he lost it briefly on lap 46. Williams was able to get back the lead just before the competition yellow at the halfway mark.
At the intermission, Williams’ crew worked feverishly to add water as he had developed an overheating problem. On lap 58, it finally overheated for the final time and Williams had to pull behind the wall. This gave the lead to Mike Davidson, who lead for 20 laps and built up as much as a 5 truck length lead, before eventual winner Noles took the lead on lap 77.
On lap 81, Gilbert was able to take the lead once again and looked to be in command until the eventful 100th lap. As Gilbert, Noles and Jay Dunham battled on lap 100, Dunham and Young tangled, with Young hitting the wall hard and blocking the track. As the Fire Safety crew reached Young within seconds, they were able to get to him and miraculously he was unhurt.
The Parts Pro Truck Series next race is scheduled for May 12, 2001 at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
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