IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

February 7, 2005 FSCR Hamstra Dominates Modified Twin 40s at Putnam SATSUMA, FL (2/5) - Putnam County Speedway Park kicked off its 2005 season with a bang as over 70 Modified race cars from over a dozen different states converged on the 3/8-mile oval to compete in two 40-lap features. This was the first event held at the track since new ownership took over the speedway in late 2004. The original event scheduled was the Renegade 100; however, several logistics issues forced the postponement of the Renegade to a futuredate. Drivers and track management conferred and agreed on the new format, which proved to be a resounding success by the time the final checkered flag fell. Friday night saw the Modifieds compete in 14 heat races, formatted so each driver would get two chances to compete for a spot in the 24-car, 40-lap main event. Veteran Late Model racer Larry Moore’s #14 started the feature on the pole, but had no time to enjoy the view. Despite several false starts by the field, Jimmy Moore was able to meet the challenge of both Moore and the breaks in the action to wrestle the lead. While Owens led Moore, the rest of the pack got down and dirty as numerous wheel-to-wheel battles were staged, most notably the battle for third between Dan Hamstra, Kenny Gaddis, and Brent Glastetter. As the race wore on, the track wore down and became somewhat choppy down in the lower groove. While no small craft advisories were issued, some cars did find the waves more than they could handle and as a result numerous caution periods slowed the event. Moore tried to press the action in the late stages but could mount no serious challenge while Owens went on to take the win. The finishing order was Owens, Moore, Hamstra, Bill Howard, and Kellen Chadwick. Dwarf Cars and Four Cylinder Pure Stocks also had heat and feature events this evening. Brian Gingras turned in one of the most dominating performances seen in years at PCSP as he lapped the field from third place on back to take an easy win. Runner-up Frank Fruia was a mere three car lengths in front of Gingras at the checkers. Pure Stock honors were taken by Justin Durbin with Doug White and Don Brayton following. Saturday night brought a radically different track as the crew discovered what had caused the track to become rough and successfully addressed the problem. The result was a dry-slick, yet entirely raceable surface which produced some new faces in victory lane during the heat races. Dan Hamstra jumped on the opening green flag to overhaul polesitter Steve Wilmoth for the top spot. Kenny Gaddis affixed his car to the back of Hamstra for several laps, and then became a wingman of sorts as the duo mixed things up for several laps. Hamstra’s car eventually proved to be stronger and Gaddis found a new challenge in the form of Steve Arpin’s #00. The track held up to the 25-car assault well and the fans enjoyed longer green flag runs this evening. Gaddis mounted one more offensive on Hamstra in the latter half of the races to keep Hamstra on his toes. The results panned out the same, though, and Hamstra peddled home to victory. Gaddis held off Arpin for second ahead of Ron Jones and Kellen Chadwick. Jones deserves a special mention as he started dead last in the 25-car field and passed 21 cars in a stellar field. Hamstra’s win paired with his third place finish on Friday night earned his team the overall championship for the weekend as well as the 7-foot trophy that accompanied it. The Modified B-main was won by Scott Duval and the C-main was won by the #83c machine. Brian Gingris threatened to repeat his field-lapping performance in Dwarf Cars before succumbing to mechanical failure. Frank Fruia capitalized on Gingris’ misfortune and made the long tow from Texas worth his while by taking a solid win. Trailing Fruia at the line was Douglas Schmidt and Dave Fuller. Justin Durbin repeated his Friday night effort with a win in the Pure Stocks ahead of Joey Durbin and Don Strosahl, Jr. Putnam County Speedway Park will continue making track improvements over the next few weeks and plans to resume racing on March 26, 2005. Racing divisions will be Limited Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, and Four Cylinder Pure Stocks. For more information, contact the track at 386.649.5210. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! news@karnac.org or send a letter to the editor!