The Pro-Late models rolled into DeSoto Speedways high banks for a 125 laps of high powered fender to fender action and it started early in qualifying with most of the field under the 15 second barrier the track was definitely a fast one. Jeff Dufresne smacked the wall hard after loosing it on his qualifying attempt, slapping the turn one wall on the drivers side ending his bid early but walking away from his damaged mount. Local driver “Flyin” Bryan Mansfield surprised everyone with a fast time of 14.49 seconds around the oval taking low qualifier honors from top names such as Anderson , Carlton and McLeod among others.
After the pills were drawn Shane Russ in the #8 was on the pole, but outside on the front row was the familiar and odds on favorite Dickie Anderson. Most people who know Late Model racing in the state already had given the race to the man from Wildwood and were all saying the real race would be for second, but a lot can happen in 125 laps and tonight would be the proof.
Although it took three tries to get the first lap in it was Anderson who rocket shipped out into the lead pulling over four car lengths before completing the first lap. The #9 of young Jonathan Brown got by Russ to take the second position early leaving the #8 car to battle with the #78 of B.J. McLeod who lately has had the proverbial monkey on his back. With Anderson adding to his lead Brown lead a pack of six cars all in a heated battle for second spot as the race was panning out to be the one all the insiders had said it would be.
B.J. rode the bumper of Brown but Brown was closing in on Anderson who appeared to be slowing ever so slightly and coming out of four Brown got into the rear of Anderson sending him around in a cloud of smoke and also letting all the air out one of his Good-Year Eagles, forcing him to the pits for a quick change of rubber. With Brown being penalized McLeod inherited the lead with just less then half the race to go, but with Anderson back out on the track anything was possible. Anderson quickly started his move towards the front passing cars on the inside and outside seemingly taking positions at ease. Jeff Sloan #31 was the next car in Dickies sights but as he tried to give Sloan the patented “Dickie Bump” he instead flew over Sloans machine breaking suspension parts and sending Jeff into the wall but Sloan was able to continue. Anderson was forced to retire the “00”, something that hasn’t been seen in these parts in some time.
McLeod continued to dominate the race eventually pulling to almost a half lap lead to take the checkered flag over now second place Ricky Carlton #34. Shane Sawyer #38 gave Carlton everything he had trying to get by but only could hold on to third, Sunshine’s own “Slammin” Sammy Coghill #22 took a solid fourth place and Jeff Scofield #07 rounded out the top five.
Top Ten: 1. #78 B.J. Mcleod, Wauchula 2. #34 Ricky Carlton, Homosassa 3. #38 Shane Sawyer, Royal Palm Beach 4. #22 Sammy Coghill, Largo 5. #07Jeff Scofield 6. #18 Bryan Mansfield, Sarasota 7. #9 Jonathan Brown,Palmetto 8. #31 Jeff Sloan, Beverly Hills 9. #09 Scott Grossenbacher, SanAntonio 10. #000 Robert Yoho, St. Pete
