Pierce Returns to Winner's Circle at Desoto, Jefferson Continues Winning Ways
By Rick Anges
Bradenton, Fl. There is no doubt that Martin Pierce knows his way around the high banks of DeSoto Speedway. The talented young driver has logged many wins at the track but this season has not been as good to him. Several crashes and bad luck has kept the tough driver out of the winners circle.
When the 20 Limited Late Models came out on the speedway to qualify for the 50-lap feature the heat of the day had made the surface slick. Most of the field ran times in the low to mid 15-second range but the #75 team of “Bub” Pierce had the set up and ran a 14.98 second lap to take fast time.
The roll of the die inverted the field two rows putting Tommy Younkman on the point. Along side of Younkman was Jeff Wogoman who was making his return to DeSoto. Also returning to the speedway was Jason Bowser who has been competing in the Hooters Pro Cup series.
When the green dropped if was Younkman who jumped out to the lead. Younkmans ride looked strong as he began to pull away from the field. But several yellow flags bunched the field and it wasn’t long before the 75 of Pierce showed his strength and took the lead. Tate Pierce was the only other driver who had anything for Marty as the two Pierces battled the rest of the race but it would be Marty Pierce’s night taking the checkered flag, Tate Pierce took second, third was Dewayne Bryan, a strong run for fourth went to Bill Davis and rounding out the top five was Younkman.
Open Wheel Modifieds
“The Rocket Man” Wayne Jefferson may want to change his nickname to “the Dominator” as he logged another impressive win in the Open Wheel class. Jefferson made his way through the field 14 cars to take the lead just past the midway point and roared on to take another convincing win. Second went to a hard charging Dennis Wilson Jr., Jay Coleman was able to hold off the charge of Chet Senogossoff for third, and fifth went to Robby McAuliffe.
Jefferson also took fast time.
Mini-Stocks
Jon Bailey made a triumphant return to the winners circle taking the win in the Mini-Stock feature holding off Todd Freed to take the victory. Third went to “Hollywood” John Wilson, fourth was Steve Glover and in fifth it was Bill Alden.
Pure Stocks
1.Keith Thorbin 2.Jimmie Best 3.Rick Hurley 4.Dale Shelton 5.Scott Ollar
