SATSUMA, FL (11/1) - The Limited Late Model feature at Putnam County Speedway was a classic High Noon showdown between the local sheriff and a high-powered out-of-town gunslinger. Rick Singler and Ivedent Lloyd played out the roles, respectively, and the bullets began firing from the green flag as Lloyd gained a momentary advantage out of turn two only to be surprised by a charge from Singler two corners later. While the rest of the field plodded and battled amongst themselves in the fading distance, the two main characters maintained a close pursuit. Lloyd allowed Singler a few laps of relative calm before launching a firestorm that began on lap 10 as traffic came into play. Just when it appeared that Lloyd would upend Singler on lap 17, a caution brought a cease-fire to the track from which Lloyd never completely recovered. Although Lloyd managed a late-race offensive maneuver, Singler maintained composure and took the win despite being saddled with a rapidly deflating left front tire. In victory lane the significance of the win was not lost on Singler as he acknowledged the caliber of his competition and gave Lloyd credit for a clean race. A win for Ivedent at Putnam is inevitable; the only question is when. Following for third through fifth was Travis Rhoden, Scott Singler, and Bill Kopka.
Robby Barris had been a man without a nation – or at least without a ride – for the past few weeks. His patience and persistence in lobbying for a new set of wheels came to fruition as he landed a ride in one of Bob McQuaig’s modifieds. Barris returned the favor by completely scorching the Modified field for thirty laps to take top honors. Barris blew away points leader Marion Sizemore on the initial start and quickly opened a commanding lead he would never relinquish. Sizemore continued to run a noncombative second until his car fell out of the event on lap 19. The remaining 11 laps were largely ceremonial as the new combination was the class of the remaining field. Garland Spangler was the best of the rest outlasting Kenny Blair, Richard Tipton, and Chris Hammond in that order. This new combination will not be a permanent one as the car is for sale, but for now Barris will make the most of the opportunity. Whether Sizemore brings the highly potent #0 car next week is open for speculation. Stay tuned.
It appeared that last week’s Street Stock feature winner Bobby Layman had veteran Kenny Hall’s number for the first few laps of their main event as Layman opened up a bit of a lead on the former track champion and current points leader. Hall stormed back to challenge Layman in an exciting five-lap duel before grinding past on lap eight. From that point it was all Hall for the remaining 22 laps though Layman was never far behind. A lot of beating and banging as per the norm in Street Stock racing occurred behind the two leaders as many pseudo-challengers rose and fell through incidents and attrition. At the payout window the finishing order read Hall, Layman, Richard Adams, John Reiter, and Tiny Greene.
Pure Stocks turned in another fine performance this evening. Jake Hartley was in complete command of the 20-car field until his car inexplicably died during a caution on lap 22. Infrequent visitor Ronnie Crutcher inherited the lead and successfully converted the opportunity into a victory. Jason Pipkins had a solid second place finish while Rick Ferraro was third. Mike Tripp overcame an early incident to rebound for fourth ahead of last week’s feature winner Bubba Watson.
Racing continues through the entire month of November with the season finale on November 29th. Pit gates open at 3 PM, grandstands open at 5 PM, and racing begins at 7 PM.
