Jefferson Takes Open Wheel Checkers, Yoakam on Top in FMSC
By Rick Anges
Bradenton, Fl. Robbie Yoakam took the fast time for the Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series over twenty of the Florida’s best cars in the class. After a minor rain delay “the Rocketman” Wayne Jefferson was the fastest over the field for the 100-lap Q-Auto and Injury Open Wheel Modified feature.
Q-Auto and Injury OWM The field was inverted for the 100-lap feature race putting John Sarppraicone Jr. and Ralph Bowman on the front row.
Sarppraicone jumped out to the early lead with Bowman right on his tail. Sarppraicone had his handsful, as it was apparent the handle was just not there for the 88 machine. Coming out of turn four the 88 looped with a broken trailing arm sending him to the pits. He was able to come back out but had to start on the tail end of the field but stayed on the lead lap.
Bowman moved into the lead but he also began having problems as the car began to cut off on him. Fast qualifier Jefferson slid under Bowman and took the top spot. Bowman was able to get the car back on track and finished in sixth spot.
Upfront Jefferson was pulling away from second place Tate Pierce but several late race cautions had Pierce right on the “Rocketman’s” rear bumper. Pierce would stay close on the restarts but on the long green flag runs Jefferson was able to pull away. Jefferson was able to cruise the final laps and take the checkers. “Tate had a really good car tonight, he ran me hard but we were able to get away and keep under me” said Jefferson in the winners circle broadcast “Live” over the Internet on the Saturday Night Live After the Races Show.
Tate Pierce had a strong run finishing in the second spot, third went Timmy Moore, fourth was Rookie Sensation Brad Bischoff. Finishing fifth and moving into the points lead was ’04 Open Wheel Champ Bobby Baldwin.
FMSC The fifty laps Florida Mini Stock Challenge series race came down to a three-car battle. Robbie Yoakam was able to hold off the late race charge of fast qualifier Ronnie Larson to take the win, Larson slipped up and Robbie Storer finished in second spot with Larson finishing third. Point’s leader Chris Thorton finished fourth and in fifth Chuck Frazier.
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