By Steve Hixson

CLEVELAND, TN -May 10, 2008- After what was a dismal start to the night of racing, for Kevin Gibson, the Ringgold, GA racer charged to his first victory of the 2008 season, Saturday night at the Cleveland (TN) Speedway. The Super Late Model division, readying for next weekend big O'Reilly Southern All-Star $5,000. to-Win race, took to the track for the 30 lap 'A' Main feature with Todd Morrow on the pole and Gibson on the outside. It was all Gibson, has he proved the high-line was the choice groove of the 1/3 mile clay banked oval, holding Morrow atbay for the distance and the nights $1,200. payday. Gibson also collected the $100 bonus for racing both nights (Friday at North Georgia) at the two Monty Morrow promoted facilities.




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In qualifying Morrow clocked fastest of the twelve (12) SLM's signed in for competition, turning a 14:377 lap. The familiar # T1 went on to win the first of two heats, to earn the pole for the feature race. Gibson lined up along side Riley Hickman, who clocked 2nd quick time overall. Gibson stole the FRONT ROW JOE status by defeating Hickman in the 8 lap heat. The field got rolling towards the green after a failed attempt, sidelined Brian Hickman for the feature. With Gibson's # M45 'MidNite Racing Fuel, Benton Oil Service, Ste-Don Farms, Stanley Best Heating & Air' sponsored GRT / Racetek powered, Pontiac GTO out in front sometimes at a full straight-away ahead the field raced to the 2/3rds mark, when Preston Graves reared the races only yellow. Randy Burrows looked low a few laps, on the restart, back in the 4th position, but there wasn't anything on the bottom to race on.
Runner-up Morrow at times felt the # R1 Hickman breathing down his spoiler, but for the most part all stayed in shape. Ruben Mayfield debuting a new orange # 00 racecar rounded out the Top 5 finishers behind Hickman and Burrows. Defending Track Champion Paul Tims, loaded his racecar after clocking a single qualifying lap, that was offically good enough for 5th overall fastest, while Andy Pickelsimer debuted his # A1 racecar with the SLM's. In other racing action: Lil' John Owenby got redemption in the Limited/Crate division, after last weekends last lap tangle. The Cleveland racer brought in a new ride for the races Saturday night, even arriving late and missing hot lap practice. Much like SLM winner Gibson, Owenby qualified 4th fastest, yet won the 2nd heat race to earn the outside pole for the feature. Owenby lead all the way for the win, over fast qualifier Justin Litchford.

The 'A' Hobby Mid Season Championship was all Tanner Works (# T35) of Cleveland. Works defeated the strongest field this season of the division as twenty-one (21) racers signed-in. Greg Ledford and Donnie Farmer finished second and third respectfully to Works, who dedicated the win to his mother for Mothers Day. Patrick Harvey knotted up another B-Hobby victory as Danny Burnette continues his recent dominance of the Pony Stocks. In the Front Wheel Drive division, Jason Whitt took the checkers, but it's unknown if the win was official. Next Saturday the O'SAS return to the Cleveland (TN) Speedway for their 2008 debut. The 31st Annual Coca-Cola Tennessee Memorial Race pays $5,000. to-Win and racers from around the region are expected to compete. For more info. Visit the tracks web-site at www.clevelandspeedway.com

Official Results 5/10/08
SLM Feature: 30 Laps

1. Kevin Gibson (# M45) of Ringgold, GA
2. Todd Morrow (# T1) of Cleveland, TN
3. Riley Hickman (# R1) of Ooltewah, TN
4. Randy Burrows (# 95) of Chattanooga, TN
5. Ruben Mayfield (# 00) of Lenior City, TN
6. Keith Frazier (# 11) of Cleveland, TN
7. Dewayne Powell (# 79) of Chattanooga, TN
8. Andy Pickelsimer (# A1) of Chattanooga, TN
9. Nick Yancy (# N7) of Soddy Daisy, TN
10. Preston Graves (# 105) of Murphy, NC
11. Brian Hickman (# 41) of Soddy Daisy, TN


DNS:
Paul Tims (# 84) of Georgetown, TN





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