IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

April 5, 2004 FSCR Lloyd Takes Putnam Speedway Points Opener by Jon Harney SATSUMA, FL (4/3) - Putnam County Speedway kicked off its 2004 points season Saturday evening. Cool outdoor temperatures were countered by hot racing in all five divisions. Ivedent Lloyd made one of his all too infrequent visits a success as he overhauled John Reiter for the lead on lap four and never looked back in taking the Limited Late Model feature. Aaron McQuaig, who gave Lloyd a good fight in the early laps, ran a steady race to finish second. Bill Kopka came home third followed by polesitter Bill Littell and Reiter. As was the case last week, Kenny Blair assumed the lead early in the Modified feature only to relinquish it due to a mechanical problem. Although the malady was short-lived, it was enough to allow Robby Barris by for the front spot. Barris found himself in this position last week only to fall by the wayside as well. This week, his car stayed true to him and had no equal in the final laps. Jason Lowe had another solid effort as once again he battled from the rear of the field to earn second. Blair recovered for a third place finish ahead of Bobby Layman and Derek Crawford. There’s never a dull moment when the Pure Stocks come to play and tonight was a textbook example. Polesitter Kenny Durham led the initial laps until Mike Tripp rushed past him. Tripp got tripped up by a lapped car and was sent into the inside retaining wall ending his night. Durham regained the lead only to find himself in the crosshairs of L. J. Klemons. The duo fought hard for several laps fighting traffic along the way. Klemons topped Durham on the 22nd circuit only to lose the position with one lap remaining. What appeared to be a win for Durham faded on the home stretch when Klemons made one last charge into the fourth corner, held his line, and let momentum carry him to a narrow win at the line. Joe Watson stayed near the lead pair and ended with a strong third place finish. Ron Frank and Jason Pipkins were fourth and fifth. Kenny Hall found himself in arrears early in the Street Stock main due to a poor starting spot and uncooperative traffic. He maintained composure, however, and caught Richard Adams on lap 16 to notch another win. Adams had enjoyed a healthy lead for the balance of the race and didn’t seem to notice Hall until it was too late. Hall and Adams were trailed by Mitch Wise, Kevin Mills, and Tim Brown. Compared to most of the cars in the Mini Late Model class that sport modern, fabricated bodies, Jake Hartley’s stock-skinned Pinto appears to be an anachronism. This didn’t stop Hartley from turning back the clock and declaring Retro Night on the division as he led every lap en route to victory. Following Hartley was Richard Tipton, Casey Murphy, Mike Gibbs, and Eric Moon. No word yet as to whether Hartley’s competitors will begin testing Pinto bodies in the wind tunnel. Racing in all five divisions resumes this Saturday night. The Winged Sprint cars will make their first appearance on April 17 and the Super Late Models will invade Putnam County on April 24. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! news@karnac.org or send a letter to the editor!