East Bay Raceway Park Celebrates America's Veterans
by Bill Green>/b> “From Behind The MIC”
Tampa, Florida (May 24th, 2003) – East Bay Raceway Park wasn’t sure what the response would be when they invited Veterans to step forward and be recognized for their part in maintaining America’s freedom. As the vets in attendance began to trickle down to the front stretch fence for all to see, their numbers continued to grow to just over 50; World War, Korean, Vietnam and Desert veterans. The family oriented crowd would make each and every one, feel brighter and better about their tour of duty for America. After leading the fans in a patriotic Pledge of Allegiance, the veterans were treated to a special reading from track Pastor Natz Peters. Then Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” and fireworks followed his prayer. Each fan was happily surprised by East Bay Raceway Park’s salute to the veterans and the veterans seemed to smile a little brighter throughout the night.
Street Stocks would have yellow flags flying, but it was the red that got everyone’s attention. The brother duo of Eric and Steve Johnson are apt to win on any given night, but tonight they would survive close encounters early, only to meet later on lap 8. Steve would spin in turn 4 and get collected by Eric with a hard hit, head on. Steve was the last one out of his car, spending several anxious minutes with the AMR Ambulance crew. He would later give accolades to the crowd and his Hans device. Returning to his winning form for 2003 it would be Don Gansner coming from 20th starting spot to Victory Lane. Second would go to Tony Traina, third to Tim Hunt, crossing fourth would be heat one winner Bob Flemming, and surviving several bullets thrown at her, was pole sitter, Hollie Smith finishing fifth.
Limited Late Models came to the green with 22 cars lined up. It was the zero of Mike Rudder winning, with pole sitter J.R. Prather, Jr. finishing second. Tommy Evonosky would come from 20th starting spot for third, forth would go to David Borner and Ricky Land would survive a last lap may lay in turn two for the top-5 finish.
Sprints were 18 cars strong at the beginning of their 25-lap feature. Kenny Adams would make it two in a row with a repeat win on a slick track, starting 14th in the field. Going second was Sport Allen and Johnny Gilbertson third. Outside pole sitter Red Stauffer would hang on for fourth, with Paulie Milum wrestling an ill handling sprint car to fifth.
Late Models put on their usual amazing slide show with veteran Donnie Tanner visiting East Bay Raceway Park’s newly renovated Victory Lane. Devin Dixon would set his car up to come to the front late. He came up just a few laps short, as he would have needed just a couple more laps to make the out come different. Dixon settled for second, while David Schmauss battled for the lead early and held on for the third place finish. Jack Nosbisch, Jr. would take fourth, with Trevor Merrill showing his great improvement in the late model class, with a fifth place finish.
Mini-Stocks sponsored by Hills Dirt Pits, Pioneer Tire & Auto, and Buzbee Aquatics had 26 cars take the green. Chad Rose would come out on top, with Josh Peathingy second, Scotty Williams third, Dorsey Strickland fourth and Rich Livernois fifth.
Next week is Go-Karts under the lights on Friday Night, followed by Open Wheeled Modifieds and Limited Sprints joining the Saturday Night action.
