Sometimes it takes a month or so to get the kinks worked out, but when it happens, it can happen in big way. In the early part of the 2001 season at the Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Dustin Storm seemed to struggle a bit with an ill handling race car. He had the power he needed, but the correct setup eluded the youngster from Prince Frederick Md. But hours of hard work have paid off as the he is on a roll, unmatched by any other driver this season. Storm battled his way from far back in the field, and picked up feature win number 7 Saturday night in the Bailey’s 200 lap feature for the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Cars. Patience paid off for Storm as he kept early leader Stan Owens in sight, saving his equipment for the end. Consistent lap times and a late race caution gave him all the help he needed as he passed Owens late in the going, and cruised home for the win. Owens had led most of the event for his best run of the season after making the jump from the Grand Stock division this season. But Storm was able to reel him in, and he would have to settle for the second spot. Rounding out the top 5 were Mark McFarland, Eric Corbett, and Danny Fair. A post race inspection of the top 5 machines, consisting of removing the carburetor and intake manifold, revealed that all cars were legal.
Willard Lawrence from Haymarket Va. bounced back after a grinding crash 3 weeks ago, and picked up win number 5 in the 50 lap Redman Fleet Service Grand Stock division. Lawrence followed early leader Jack Crocker, and nudged his way in front just past the halfway point in the event. From that point on it was evident that he was the car to beat. Rounding out the top 5 were point leader Jimmy Hardin, followed by Jerry Black, and Chris Donnelly. With his win, Lawrence puts himself back in second spot in the points chase, just 14 points behind Hardin.
Sean Dawson picked up his third feature win in a row as he led flag to flag in the D&K Electric / Aldie Construction Mini Stock 30 lap feature. The rookie driver held off Garry Klaus once again for top honors. Rounding out the top 5 were Adam Flis, James Pack, and Bill Brewster. Dawson moves into the 5^th position in the points chase, just 30 points behind point leader Klaus.
Dave Gibbs was probably the luckiest driver at ODS Saturday night as he took home the win in the 25 lap Gaston Automotive Speedway Sportsman feature. Gibbs, who had a 5^th place car at best all night, took advantage of a crash on the frontstraight between early leaders Jeff Sisak and Ray Miller, which also involved Scott Lunceford and Ted Queen. The incident came as the leaders were taking the white flag and Gibbs was able to weave his way through the pile up and beat Lucas to the line. Holding on for third was Sisak, followed by Jamie DeMattio, and Les Miranda. Just 24 points separate the top 5 drivers in the division.
Next Saturday night the Bailey’s Late Model Stock Cars compete in a 75 lap event. Also on the schedule is a 50 lap event for the Grand Stocks, a 30 lap event for the Mini Stocks, and a 25 lap feature for the Speedway Sportsman. Lustine Chevrolet Quick qualifying begins at 5:15 PM, with racing set for 7:00 PM.