IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

October 19, 2008 Charlie Montgomery Wins the Desoto Truck 50 lap Feature By : Tom Blakeley (October 18, 2008 Bradenton, Florida) It was a night that reflected the economic times for the area. There were some exciting moments of racing for sure. With dark clouds hanging overhead everyone was wondering if we would get the 8 racing events in for the evening or were we going to get rained out? The weather and the economy had all the officials on edge, but the drivers proved to be the cure. Here is what took place. Outlaw Modified’s came to race and race they did. The first event of the evening was an 8-lap heat race. Ten cars took to the track and winning the heat was Cliff Steinmann in the #23 car. Colin Cabre in the #71 car came in second and Craig Shear in the #56 car took third place. It was a good race and these outlaws ran very fast and clean. Next onto the track came the Champ Karts. This event was an 8-lap heat race with 8 Karts taking the field. The crowd was standing at the end of the 8–laps, as it was a side by side finish with Brian Scherrer in the #17 Kart winning the heat. Right next to him but in second place was J. D. Gordon in the #99 Kart. Romay Venta in the #13 Kart slid across the finish line right behind Gordon and was in third place. What an exciting race with the first three karts running neck and neck the whole race. Guess what time it is??? It is Rockem-Sockem time! The Rockem-Sockem Bombers blasted onto the track just wanting to share paint and love. And they did just that. The 7 car field ran a very quick 25-lap feature that included a true Talladaga finish with the #42 car and the #44 car tangled as they came out of turn four and onto the front stretch and sideways across the finish line into the wall. Mike “The Punisher” Crooks won the race and ran upfront from flag to flag in the hot #33 car. Jody Collins ran a great race and placed second in the orange #32 car. Steve Elder in the black and blue #42 car took third as he crossed the finish line sideways attached to the #44 car driven by Troy Theim. Troy Theim in the #44 car came in fourth by an inch. What a show these Bomber drivers put on for the fans. It was now Pure Stock Time. The 9 car field ran a hot 25–lap feature that included Randy Johnson taking the lead at lap number 8 and never looking back. Randy won this race in his #73 Silver Bullet, he drove a nearly perfect race as he normally does. Right behind Randy was Darren Ellis in the #71 car who took second and third place belonged to Duane Campbell in the #27 car. This class always runs a hard, fast, clean race and tonight was no exception. The Street Stocks then took to the track. This 25-lap feature race was won by Greg Krom in the #35 car. James Nanney in the blue #6 car was second and Derek Lucas in the # 88 car took third place. It was a small field but a good race. After a short intermission that included some rain the Outlaw Modified cars came back out for their 30-lap feature race. The 10-car field ran a very tight and fast race. The winner was Cliff Steinmann in the #23 car. Doug Hopper in the #15 car was second and Tom Meyer in the #04 car took third place. This class is a very fun class to watch. The open wheel cars really fly around the track will be back more often next year as they really put on a great show. The Champ Kart feature race was next on the event card. The Karts raced for 25-laps and when they crossed the finish line side by side for the second time tonight the fans were again standing. Allan McKinney in the #37 Kart won the feature event. J. D. Gordon in the #99 Kart was second and Romay Venta was third in his # 13 Kart. The Desoto Trucks then paraded onto the front stretch and lined up side by side for the driver introduction and autograph session. The drivers signed a lot of autographs and the fans got to take a close up look at the trucks. Everyone had a good time. It was then time to fire up those hot trucks and after a few hot laps the green flag dropped and we were under way. The all green 50-lap feature was a one of a kind special race as the entire field was inverted. The first yellow flag came on the 16th lap, but Charlie Montgomery took the first place position on lap number 13. Tyler Lau had jumped into the lead out of the gate but even though he did a great job of driving, he could not hold onto it. Billy Calbert Jr. was having some trouble with his truck being loose, and he spun out on the 30th lap and again on the 42nd lap to bring two more yellow flags. When the 50-lap feature was complete Charlie Montgomery in his #12 truck went to Victory Circle and his teammate Steven Darvalics in the #41 truck took second place. Coming in third and running a great race was Brent Huber in the white #64 truck. Next Saturday will be one incredible night of racing and fun at Desoto Super Speedway. Along with it being our Halloween celebration we will have trick or treat with the kids going onto the infield and getting their treats from the drivers. There will be costume contests so be sure to wear your favorite costume. The TBARA Sprints will be here along with the School Bus Figure 8 racers. We will have the Bombers, Pure Stocks and a Magic 4 shoot out with double points for the drivers. The Legend cars will be racing and a very special race with the Officials from DSS driving borrowed cars and running a race. The action starts at 7 P.M. with gates opening at 5:30 P.M. For more information please call 941-748-3171. We are located just 9 miles East of I-75 on SR #64 (Exit 220). Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!