The VMCRA returned to action on May 17th at Franklin County Speedway for our third race of the year. The one word on everyone’s mind was FINALLY as finally we had a clear, warm day to race. Fourteen cars would show up, with our point leader taking the checkers.
First things first. The VMCRA welcomes new member Freddy Jackson to our association. Freddy showed with a good-looking Jimmy Johnson lookalike #48. Welcome, Freddie. Also on hand for the first time this year was Gary Greenway in his #20. And Jason Watkins was making his first start this year in the #15. Also late arriving and a big welcome back to Speedy Manning in his #21.Speedy tried a little Arena Cup racing last year, and it was good to have him back. Missing this week was Amanda Forney due to sickness, although her #92 would start the race. Also missing was past champ Jerry Perdue, who had to meet job duties which required him to be out of town.
On to the racing. WQe were allowed only one practice, which also was our qualifying as the transponders were timing each lap. Jason Moye would put the #88 on the pole, with the remainder of the top five being the #15, #17, #16, and the #1. Next five were the #2, #97, who was involved in a spin in practice, #24, also involved in same spin, #27, and #9. Filling out our field was the #48, #92, #20 and the #21. I told Pop we set a record as the top three drivers were Jasons.
So, Jason Moye would lead us to the green and take the lead. Jason Watkins would have a problem getting down in line and would lose a couple of positions. Forgot to mention before the green that Speedy would have clutch problems in his #21 and the #48 would pop a chain on the pace lap. Back to the racing. Jason would lead until the #20 looped it bringing out the caution. Green would fly until lap 14 when the #97 spun in turn two with enough damage to put him out of the race. On the restart, Kevin Berkstresser would get hit and spin the #16 over the curb in turn three, putting him out with chassis damage. Jason Moye would take the restart and lead the remainder of the race to take the win, his second of the year. He would extend his point lead in the Aztec Rental #88. In second was the Cusson Racing #17 of Jason Adkins. Defending point champ Matt Wade grabs third in the Mini-Cup Supply #1, with the #2 of Travis Roach in fourth after a good exciting race. Jason Watkins would bring the Clarence’s Steak House #15 home fifth, with Rookie Points leader Tyler Roach getting sixth inhis #24. Another rookie, Darrel Williams, gets credit for seventh in his “new” #9. One note here. Darrel moved over on a restart and let the fast cars by as he was already lapped. Good heads up driving. In eighth was Gary Greenway in his Toyota bodied #20. Good looking car, Gary. Ninth after his spin after having a great run was Kevin Berkstresser in the Lee-Hi #16. Rounding out the top ten was Andy DeFillipis in the #97. Andy was a little upset after the race. Our youngest driver, Justin LaDuke, is eleventh in his #27, which cut a tire due to the axle shifting. In twelvth was Megan Ritenhour, a last minute replacement in the #92. Megan was racing the Super Late Models Saturday night and decided to give the Mini Cups a try. After her radios failed, she parked it rather than tear something up. In thirteenth in his debut was Freddie Jackson in his #48, after breaking a chain. It will get better, Freddie. And in fourteenth after making the long haul was Speedy Manning in his GREAT looking #21.
So, that’s our third race. A long way to go. Jason Moye leads the points. Hopefully not sounding biased, the best racing seemed to be around the #2, #24, and the #15. Swapping positions each lap with nothing decided until the last turn. Great job, all.
Thanks to all who made the trip to Franklin County. We still have many members who we haven’t seen this year. It takes a commitment to do this. But our dependance on next year’s schedule has a lot to do with car count this year. Some haven’t got their cars ready, some were sick, some were out of town. Next race is May 31st at Motor Mile Speedway. Great place for great racing. Try to be there. Oh yeah, tire chip pulled, all cars checked ok.
A couple of last things Conduct is spelled out in the rule book. While it doesn’t necessarily address vulgar language, this is included. Try to watch your mouth. We have many wives, girldfriends, kids, etc. in our pit area. Sometimes we don’t realize we say things. Just try to keep it clean.
Lastly, Jason Adkins was involved in a serious car accident on May 20th, breaking one of his wrists. Keep Jason in your prayers.
Thanks Jock for your work!!!!!!!!!!
Till then……………………………….DW
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