Storm Takes Third Win Of The Season…..
Dustin Storm from Prince Frederick Md. picked up win number
three in 2001 at the Old Dominion Speedway Saturday night, taking the lead late in the
Bailey’s NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Car 75 lap feature. Storm
followed early leader Mike Colabucci throughout most of the feature, waiting for that one
slip that would enable him to squeeze under the Waldorf, Md. driver. That opportunity came
with just a handful of laps remaining, and Storm took full advantage of the situation,
dropping low exiting turn 2. It was then Colabucci who would have to wait for an error due
to the fact the two leaders were so evenly matched. But that slip would never come, and
the popular youngster was able to beat Colabucci to the stripe by less than a car length.
Rounding out the top 5 were Late Model point leader and defending track champ Mark
McFarland from Winchester, Va., followed by Mike Darne and Ricky Exline.
The Redman Fleet Service Grand Stocks were featured in twin 25 lap events for the evening,
and after the dust had settled, the points chase has become interesting. Jimmy Hardin from
Pomfret, Md. picked up feature wins in both 25 lappers, with Chris Donnelly finishing
second in both events. This, combined with the disaster for Willard Lawrence in the first
event after a hard crash, has put Hardin in the top spot in the points chase for the first
time. Lawrence suffered severe damage to his Pontiac after tangling with Greg Compton,
substituting for Jim Todd Jr., on the backstraight. Hardin now leads the points chase by 6
points over Lawrence and Jerry Black from Elkridge, Md. Black, last seasons Rookie Of The
Year, put together two top five finishes as well, and has put himself in a strong position
for the track title, even though he has still yet to get his first win.
Mike Bryant, a part-time participant this season, took home the win in the D&K
Electric / Aldie Construction Mini Stock feature, which was cut short by a spectacular
late race crash and fire. Ken Datesman escaped serious injury as his car erupted in a ball
of fire after the fuel cell in his Ford was ripped from his car after tangling with the
guardrail and several cars in turn four. All other drivers involved were uninjured as
well. Finishing second was Garry Klaus, followed by Adam Flis and Colt White. Flis has now
taken over the point lead over Steve Loughman, who finished 6th.
Jeff Sisak took home win number two in the 25 lap Gaston Automotive Speedway Sportsman
feature, which was marred by a grinding crash on the front straight. Elena Shakula, the
young lady from Reston Va., tangled hard with Phil Kenney after Kenney spun coming out of
turn 4. Shakula was taken to Prince William Hospital after complaining of chest and foot
pains. Kenney was able to get out of his car and remain at the track with no apparent
injuries.
Tommy Morgan, driving a car normally driven by James Ramsey after he crashed his own car,
took the lead with 3 laps remaining from early leader Kyle Hendershott, and won his second
feature of the season in the 30 lap Legends event.
Next Saturday night, the Bailey’s NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Cars
will be featured in the Popeye’s Fried Chicken 200 lap feature. Also on the schedule
is a 50 lap feature for the Grand Stocks, a 30 lap event for the Mini Stocks, and a 25 lap
feature for the Speedway Sportsman. Also on tap are events for the Champ Karts and Mini
Cups. Lustine Chevrolet Quick Qualifying begins at 5:15 PM with racing action set for 7:00
PM.
MARF Hard Charger Award Winner Willard Lawrence