"I'm
noticing a turn of the tide on racing Web sites like Florida's
Karnac.com, the gathering place for the most dedicated race
fans in the state." -Orlando Sentinel
With the Memorial Day weekend in full swing around 100 cars were on hand at East Bay Raceway Park for another awesome night of Saturday night racing. Fans were treated to some of the best dirt track racing in the South once again.
The Outlaw 4’s started the feature program off with their 15 lap main event. Shane Burrows started in the 6th spot and quickly made his way to the front of the field where he pulled away for the win. The win was Burrows first of the season. Chad Rose finished 2nd. Points leader Jim Coursen started 9th and came home in the 3rd position. Jerry Bruce was 4th and Matt Haynes rounded out the top-5. Stephen Hohlbaugh and Burrows won the heat races.
In the Street Stocks Steve O’Lone took the checkered flag in first but his car did not pass post race inspection. That handed the win to Buck Skinner, his third win of the season. Tim Spencer, Sr. ran near the front of the field all night long and finished 2nd. Matthew Grissom finished 3rd. David Roberts started at the rear of the field and came home in the 4th spot. Danny Paris, Jr. was the 5th place finisher. Spencer, Sr. and Grissom took wins in the heat races.
Twenty-four Late Models hit the track for their 25-lap feature event. Steve Miller started on the pole and stayed out front the entire race to take the win. Miller may have been up front for the entire race but David Schmauss did his part to make the two-car battle for the lead one of the most exciting of the season. As the laps were winding down Schmauss closed in on the back of the Miller machine. Lap after lap Schmauss tried to pass Miller using the high line. Miller held his low line and was able to hold off a final challenge in turn 1 with 2 laps to go. The win was Miller’s first of the season and first in a Late Model. Schmauss finished 2nd after starting in the 7th position. Jeff Matthews started 13th and charged his way to a 3rd place finish. Keith Nosbisch started 14th and finished 4th. K.D. Kelley rounded out the top-5. Bobby Alexander, Sr., Kelley and Mark Haase won the heat races.
In the Convire 4 Cylinder bombers Frank Miller took his 4th feature win of the season. George Christiansen started in the 7th spot and finished 2nd. Kyle Kruse finished 3rd. Collin Kruse who came into the night as series points leader finished 4th. Kever Raulerson rounded out the top-5. Roberto Morfin and Eddie Summitt won the heat races.
The Limited Sprints completed an awesome night of racing on the Clay by the Bay. Greg Leonard had a strong showing in the heats and appeared to have scored the win. The Leonard car did not pass post race technical inspection and was disqualified. Danny Jones was credited with the victory after an 8th place start; it was his first win of the season. Tim George finished 2nd after starting 12th. Paulie Milum started 15th and finished 3rd. Travis Bleimeister and Michael Smith rounded out the top-5. Leonard and Gene Lasker won the heat races.
ASA sanctioned racing resumes at East Bay Raceway Park Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 6:30pm. The Late Models, Gagel’s Open Wheel Modifieds, Motorstats.com Street Stocks, Outlaw 4’s and the Convire 4 Cylinder bombers will all be in action. It will also be $1.00 Draft Beer Night. The Fan Participation races will take place at intermission. For more information call the track office at 813-677-7223 or visit us on the web at www.eastbayracewaypark.com.
