By Allen Hastings
GAS Series Media

Cordele, GA - - The competition in the Georgia Asphalt Series has reached a new level in 2008. Not only has there been seven winners in eight events, but five of those were first time winners. GAS Series Veteran Nick Potts of Jefferson, Georgia added his name to the winners list at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia Saturday night. Potts is one of GAS Series most dedicated competitors and it also was his first win with the series.

GAS Series Rookie T.J. Reaid of Acworth, Georgia won the Bearen Oil Company Pole position in qualifying. Reaid drew an eight out of the hat, sending Potts to the pole position. This was Reaid's forth Bearen Oil Company Pole position in 2008.

When the green flag dropped, Potts took the lead followed closely by rookie Max Gresham and veteran Ronnie Sanders. In the meantime, Sanders is making a run to the front. Sanders passed Gresham and set his sites on Potts. On lap 13, Sanders passed Potts in turn 3. The caution flag flew on lap 16 when GAS Series first timer Steven Bloodworth of McIntyre, Georgia spun off the track on the back stretch. Bloodworth was able to continue.

On the restart, Potts got back around Sanders on the back straightaway and was able to maintain the lead until the checkered flag in The Straw Lot/ Game Ready Sportswear Ford Fusion. "I know it was going to be tough to get back around Ronnie (Sanders) because he is a tough competitor," said Potts. "His tires seemed to be getting hot and I took advantage of that." Rounding out the top five were Gresham, Sanders, Russell Fleeman and current GAS Series points leader Ryan Sieg. "This is what it's all about," said Potts in victory lane. "I want to thank my wife for her support and my Crew Chief Josh McCoy. Josh is on to something to make this car so good."

Potts will be looking to make it two in a row at the next GAS Series event on Saturday, August 16th and New Senoia Speedway in Senoia, Georgia.

NOTES FROM THE MELON:

NEWCOMERS... Brothers Rusty and Jared Evans of Cairo, Georgia and Steven Bloodworth of McIntyre, Georgia made their first ever starts with the GAS Series. The Evans brothers began their racing careers at Albany (GA) Motor Speedway. They are currently competing at South Georgia Motorsports Park in their Late Model class. Bloodworth is a Legends competitor at The Melon. He was making his first Late Model start.

TOP TEN FINISH.... GAS Series regular and former Watermelon Capital Speedway Mini Stock Champion Billy Chancy of nearby Kathleen, Georgia, had a top 10 finish in his Chancy Auto racer.

RETURN... Former GAS Series regular Scotty Ellis of Juliette, Georgia made his first GAS Series start of 2008. Ellis has been competing with the ASA Southeast late model touring series this season. Ellis finished 8th on the lead lap.

WORLD CROWN COMING... Plans are currently being put together for this year's World Crown 300 at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson, Georgia on November 6-9. The GAS Series style Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, Outlaw Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Super Trucks, Pro Challenge and all other local classes will be competing during the weekend. For entry and info, log onto www.peachstspeedway.com.

Watermelon Capital Speedway
Cordele, GA
August 2nd
Georgia Asphalt Series 100

Official Race Results
Position-Driver-Hometown-Laps Completed
1) Nick Potts Jefferson, GA 100
2) Max Gresham Griffin, GA 100
3) Ronnie Sanders Fayetteville, GA 100
4) Russell Fleeman Dacula, GA 100
5) Ryan Sieg Decatur, GA 100
6) Beau Slocomb Macon, GA 100
7) TJ Reaid Acworth, GA 100
8) Scott Ellis Juliette, GA 100
9) Steven Bloodworth McIntyre, GA 97
10) Billy Chancy Kathleen, GA 96
11) Jared Evans Cairo, GA 28
12) Rusty Evans Cairo, GA 20

Race time 42 minutes

Next GAS Series event: New Senoia Raceway -Senoia, GA Saturday, August 16th

For more information, log onto www.georgiaasphaltseries.com

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