LAKE CITY, FL (3/10) - David Crews successfully converted his pole starting spot into a win over a 15-car Late Model field at North Florida Speedway. His night was not without challenge, however, as he had been passed by Richard Ferry in the early going only to have that result wiped out by a caution flag moments later. Ferry would continue pressing the action up until lap ten, when J. O. Nobles captured that position and led his own assault until his car broke on lap 14. From that point Crews ran the table on the field and cruised to victory. Rich Pratt finished second over Carlton Allen, Billy Costello, and Earl Boyett.
P.J. Wiggins had no problems disposing of the Modified field in taking an uncontested wire-to-wire victory. The race's lone dramatic moment came on lap three when Mark Padgett struck the wall and rolled in the third turn which prompted the red flag. A few tense moments passed, then Padgett emerged from the wreckage a bit shaken, but otherwise ok. After a brief 3-car skirmish for second sorted out, the field settled out and the finishing order was Wiggins, Billy Boyd Jr., Kyle Owen, Ronnie Chance, and Billy Boyd Sr.
For all of the controversy generated by the changes in the Street Stock rules for 2007, nobody can dispute the result has so far worked in the positive as nineteen cars entered tonight's event, which is twice as many cars as the 2006 division average. Ricky Cooper's #22X took the early lead but Stanton Mills was on a roll and overhauled Cooper on the fifth circuit. Danny Vogel was also strong and kept pace with Mills throughout the event. The lead pair raced nose to tail while everybody else bitterly contested the remaining positions. Vogel kept Mills awake, but Mills in turn kept Vogel at bay to take the top finishing spot. Following Mills and Vogel was Marc Kinley, Cooper, and Kevin Mills.
Jimmy Dowling outgunned polesitter Heath Walker for the lead in the Hobby Stocks. While Dowling led, brothers Tim and Scotty Nolan rushed through the 17-car field racing from the back to the top five within five laps. Scotty Nolan and Timmy Roach reeled in the leader and applied plenty of pressure. Roach eventually fell out of contention but Tim Nolan filled the void to keep the three-car lead battle going. Scotty found his way around Dowling on lap twelve and Tim made the same move two laps later. Tim was able to catch his brother in the closing laps but time ran out and he settled for second while watching Scotty take the checkers. Dowling was third over Randy Moody and Walker.
Shawn Creech led the first five laps of the Pure Stock feature before getting passed by Shane Taylor. With over 20 cars in the hunt, the Pures never allowed for a moment's rest no matter what position was being held. When the motorized mayhem finished, the first five drivers in the standings were Taylor, Gerald Lewis, Creech, Clay McRae, and Shawn Taylor.
The B-Modifieds and the Mini Stocks return this Saturday Night to North Florida Speedway and will race along with the Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, and Pure Stocks. Gates open at 4 PM and racing begins at 7 PM. Check out www.northfloridaspeedway.com for the complete 2007 season schedule.