IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

September 29, 2008 Troy DeCaire wins the Frank Riddle Memorial 50 By Tom Blakeley (Saturday, September 27 Bradenton Florida.) It was all about speed at “The South’s Fastest Short Track” tonight. The evening began with three 8-lap Sprint Heat races. The field of drivers included many former TBARA Champions like David Steele, Troy Decair, Bo Hartley and Dude Teate. The First Heat was won by Joey Aguilar in the hot # 52 car. David Steele came in 2nd in the #91S car, and Sonny Hartley brought home 3rd in the #27 car. The Second Heat was won by John Gilbert in the #77C car as he lead flag to flag, Taking the 2nd spot was Larry Brazil in the #21B car, and coming home 3rd was Brian Maddux. driving the #1B car. The Third Heat was won by former TBARA Champion Troy DeCaire in the #68 car. Dave Retzlaff in the #92 car took 2nd while Tommy Nichols in the #55 car placed 3rd. Then it was “Rockem-Sockem” time. The Bombers were chomping at the bit to go at it, and they did just that. The field of 7 cars ran a blistering 25-lap race. There was only one yellow flag on a spin out at lap 14 however, the driving was fierce and clean. When the checkered flag dropped it was Jody Collins in the orange #32 car going to Victory Circle. “The Mayor”, John Stewart in car #02 drove a great race and came in a close second while “The Punisher”, Michael Crooks in the #33 car was breathing down Stewart’s rear bumper and took a very respectable 3rd place. It was show time for the Magic 4’s, and they really strutted their stuff. These kids range in age from 12 to 17 and are great students first and also great racecar drivers. The 20 lap feature changed lead several times, and there was a yellow flag or two. Rookie Zac Campilonga got loose in turn 3 and ran into a couple of cars which left Brittany Barr and her #81 car having to be towed back to the pit area. No injuries and no hard feelings as they are all friends and hang out together. The last few laps were really close for the number one and two positions, but at the finish line it was “JCR Jess Ostrovskis winning by about 2 inches. Alex Patton in his # 13 car was actually leading the race but for the last 15 feet where Jess pulled into the lead. With a standing ovation from the crowd it then took several minutes for the officials too review the finish on tape and declare Jess the winner. Actually in this class there are only winners, no losers here. So the official results were Jessica Ostrovskis in the “Pink Rocket” #91 winning, Alex “The Sniper” Patton taking 2nd by two inches, and 3rd was JoAnn Danielson. JoAnn is 12 and this was only her third race as a rookie. “How bout them kids?” WOW. Next up was the Street Stock class. With the field being very small the race went very fast. Going to Victory Circle and winning again was Greg Krom in the white #35 car. In the 2nd place was Alex Abbott in the great looking #17 car. Veteran driver Ian Robb took 3rd place. Chris Huntoon had some bad luck as he blew a motor in practice for the race, we all hope to see him back soon. At Intermission the TBARA Winged Sprint cars and drivers lined up on the front stretch and the fans were invited onto the track for a “Meet and Greet” session with the drivers. The drivers talked with the fans and gave autographs. This is the first of many Meet and Greet sessions for Desoto Super Speedway fans. The session went very well and a lot of fans got to go onto the track to take a closer look at the cars and drivers. A mighty good time was had by all. Next was the TBARA Winged Sprint Car 50 Lap Frank Riddle Memorial Race. It was a field of 25 cars. Running in this race was Frank Riddle’s Grandson, Brian Riddle. Brian drove the #11R car and lead the warm up laps in honor of his Grandpa Frank. There were an unusual number of yellow flags for these talented Sprint Car drivers. On the first lap Brian Riddle got into the wall but was able to refire and continue the race. This was a race that will always be remembered as a fans delight. In the early stage of the race Dave Steele spun out and was sent to the rear. The fans got to see Dave drive all the way to second place and he was gaining on the winner Troy DeCair when he ran out of fuel. Dave went from last to 2nd in about 40 laps, it was an incredible display of driving talent. The 5th yellow flag fell on lap # 41 and that is when Steele ran out of fuel. The winner was Troy DeCair in the #68 car. Second place belonged to Joey Aguilar in the #52 car. New Daddy Shane Butler in the #18 car took third place and dedicated the win to his new child. What an amazing race. Open Wheel Modified cars were next onto the track. The small field of cars made for a fast 15-lap feature. When the dust settled it was non other than Wayne Jefferson in his #1 car winning the race. Mason Love in the #29 car drove a good race and came in 2nd, while Ralph Bowman in the #2 car place a respectable third. This class needs more cars as this is one of the most exciting classes. The evening ended with the ever-exciting Pure Stock class. The 25-lap feature race was close all the way with “Rockin” Robert Crisp winning the event in his #2 car. Randy Johnson did a great job and drove his #73 Easton Racing car for a 2nd place finish. Third place belonged to Troy Thiem in his #18 car. Troy just started back racing in May and is having an excellent return to racing. This class is very competitive and they raced their hearts out tonight. It was an excellent race. Join us next Weekend for Sea Fest. The drivers will earn double points and the action will be double exciting. Desoto Super Speedway is located just 9 miles East of I-75 on State Route 64 (Exit 220 off of I-75). Call 941-748-3171 for more information Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!