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| Soltis, Sizemore, Durham, Layman, Nobles Snare Putnam County Checkers | By Jon Harney
After enduring two weekends of weather-induced false starts, Putnam County Speedway dropped the green flag on their 2002 points season. A solid turnout of cars and fans combined for a good show.
Ronnie Soltis charged from his tenth place starting spot to take the win in Hobby Stocks. Numerous cautions helped Soltis' cause as they allowed him to maintain striking distance from the leaders as he worked through tough packs of traffic. Al Robinson looked to have it all going his way early on as he assumed the early lead. He was reeled in by Soltis at the midway point and the duo put on a spirited door-to-door duel for several laps. Soltis emerged the stronger and took the win over the 21-car field. Robinson was second followed by polesitter Jimmy Heffner, Ricky Adams, and Brad Pilinko.
Marion Sizemore started from the pole, took the lead in the first turn, and led every lap in the Modified main. However, it wasn't nearly that easy as Jason Lowe methodically picked his way through the field and was able to narrow down a 20-car deficit to pressure Sizemore in the second half of the race. Lowe appeared to have the faster car, yet couldn't put a race-winning run on the leader. Marion held off his challenger by running mistake-free to the checkers. Following Sizemore and Lowe to the line was James Jeffers, Garry Flynn and Sonny O.
Ken Durham and Mike Tripp both brought brand new Camaros to the 3/8-mile oval for their 2002 Pure Stock campaign. Both new cars proved to be the class of the field as they easily outdistanced the pack for their 20-lap feature. Durham's car was just a bit faster as he beat Tripp by three lengths. Bubba Watson also ran well and finished third. Kevin Byers Jr. was scored in fourth, and Brenda Little came home fifth.
Street Stocks saw Bobby Layman put the big hurt on the field as he easily dominated the 15-car pack. Kenny Hall managed a late-race pass on Anthony Ross to finish a very distant second. Ross was third, Billy Costello was fourth, and Blair Strickland was fifth.
J.O. Nobles beat an abbreviated field of Limited Late Models to start his 2002 season on a winning note. Marion Sizemore kept the race from being a complete runaway and ended up second several lengths behind. David Crews, Tony Lewis, and Karen Bagent rounded out the top five.
The Mini Stock feature saw the front row comprised of two of the Putnam County Speedway 2001 track champions. Pure Stock points winner L.J. Klemons was invading defending champion Mike Gibbs' turf and looked convincing in taking a heat win earlier in the evening. Gibbs apparently was unintimidated, though, as he nabbed the lead into turn one of the first lap and walked off with an easy win. John Hopke survived an earlier incident to overhaul Klemons with a handful of laps to go. The finishing order was Gibbs, Hopke, Klemons, Richard Tipton, and Adam McQuaig.
Winged 360 sprint cars will return to the speedway next Saturday night along with the regular divisions. Next Saturday will also be family night as a family - or group - of six people will be admitted for only $25. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 7.
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