By Allen Hastings

Senoia, GA - Fifteen year old Max Gresham of Griffin, Georgia took his first ever Georgia Asphalt Series win in the Bear Country 100, Saturday night at New Senoia Raceway. Gresham lead flag to flag, but it was not easy. Gresham started on the pole after 2007 GAS Series Champion Russell Fleeman set fast time in Bearden Oil Company qualifying with a 14.187 second lap around the tight 3/8th's mile oval. Fleeman drew a 3 out of the pill bag, putting Gresham on the pole.

At the drop of the green flag, Gresham in his Gresham and Associates Ford Fusion, jumped out to the lead. During the entire 100, Fleeman hounded Gresham by attempting to pass him. "I know Russell would race me clean and I just kept my line and it worked out for me," said Gresham. "I think we got together one time, but it was one of those racing deals."

Around the mid point of the race, Nick Potts of Jefferson, Georgia joined Gresham and Fleeman in the battle for the top spot. The three battled for the lead until lap 87 when Tommy Stokes of Central, South Carolina developed engine trouble and came to a stop in turn two. On the restart, Five Star Rookie of the Year driver TJ Reaid of Acworth, Georgia, got around Potts to take the third position. Gresham was able to hold off Fleeman to take the win. "We've had a car that has been capable of winning all year and it finally came to us tonight," said Gresham in victory lane. "I want to thank my wonderful crew, Gene, mom and dad and Joey Clanton, who came out here to the track and helped me in testing earlier this week."

Gresham was the ninth different winner in eleven races for the GAS Series in 2008. He was also the 7th first time winner in what has been an incredible year of competition in the GAS Series.

The series closes out the 2008 season on Saturday evening, October 4th at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson, Georgia. The Hedman Husler Hedder 100 will begin at 6:00 PM.

For more information about the GAS Series, log onto www.georgiaasphaltseries.com.

Bear Country 100
Official Finishing Order
1) Max Gresham (r) Griffin, GA
2) Russell Fleeman Dacula, GA
3) TJ Reaid (r) Acworth, GA
4) Nick Potts Jefferson, GA
5) Ralph Carnes Anderson, SC
6) Bobby East Charlotte, NC
7) Ryan Sieg Decatur, GA
8) Billy Fulson (r) Douglasville, GA
9) Tony Clark Sharpsburg, GA
10) Tommy Stokes Central, SC
11) Ronnie Sanders Fayetteville, GA
12) Mahlon Winstead Williamson, GA DNS



Have an opinion on this story? E-MAIL KARNAC to send a letter to the editor!