Flat Rock Dodges Rain
Flat Rock Dodges Rain
FLAT ROCK, MI (5-3-2008)-- While rain fell for much of the day just 3 miles from the track, Flat Rock Speedway saw just a pair of quick showers that lasted only a few minutes. The decision was made to continue with Saturday’s racing card. A dedicated cast of fans and race teams showed for the Armed Forces/Good Neighbor Night, taking in a swift and very competitive night of racing, which turned quite cold and breezy. Eric Lee, Dennis Whisman, Dan Ford Jr. and Clyde McKee were the winners in their classes. Complete Results
Despite the conditions, the track was in great shape for the night. 2004 champ Eric Lee picked up the win in the 50 lap ARCA Moran Chevrolet/Miller Lite Late Model contest, taking the lead on lap 22 to become the third different leader of the event, which saw just 1 yellow flag for Greg Studt’s spin in turn 3. The top 10 qualifiers drew for their starting spot, putting Keith Nelson on the pole. Nelson motored his #2 into the lead at the green and looked strong out front as the pack settled in and raced side by side throughout the top 12 cars. Ricky Kargel broke loose from his 5th starting spot and made his way to the front, taking the lead on lap 18. Lee, who started 6th, also went to work and charged to the top spot on lap 22. The lap 33 yellow for Studt bunched the field, but Eric pulled away on his way to his 10th career win at “The Rock”. Kargel came home second, Paul Pelletier was third, Steve Cronenwett Jr. was fourth and Dennis Strickland fifth, followed by Scott Giroux, Justin Schroeder, Ron Allen, Stan Yee Jr. and Darrell Howard Jr. Schroeder gained his first career fast time for the class with a lap of 11:633 for the 24 car field. Studt, Chris Benson and Pelletier took the heat wins.
He looked like the Dennis Whisman of old Saturday night, as “The Rebel” got by race-long leader Jeremy
Vanderhoof with 2 laps to go to win the 20 lap ARCA Speedway Bar and Grille Figure 8 feature event. Despite a short field, the group put on an exciting race, including a 3-car skirmish at the intersection! Vanderhoof was quick out front as he grabbed the lead at the green flag. The remainder of the field finally got close as Dan Apperson and Whisman began to apply the pressure by lap 12. Dan got tangled up with his son, Scott and rookie Anthony Terris on lap 17, sending all 3 cars spinning. The trio continued on and Whisman zipped by Vanderhoof on lap 18 to take the point and the victory over Vanderhoof, a fast-closing Jeremy Miller, Robbie Loving, Greg Studt, Billy Earley, Jerry Lee, Dan Apperson, Chuck Pankow and Terris. Miller and Loving started 8th and 9th, respectively, and made up a bunch of ground as the checkered flag fell. Whisman, the 3-time Flat Rock champ, picked up his 37th career victory, good for 5th on the all-time list at the speedway. Loving set the Loving Auto Care fast time at 20:531.
2-time Flat Rock Street Stock king Dan Ford Jr. has returned to the class this season and in just race number 2 of the year, took top honors in the 25 lap ARCA Greater Detroit Auto Auction Street Stock A main. Jeff Kurzyniec looked great out front, leading the initial 20 laps. Ford Jr. was on the move and gradually got to the front, nosing under Jeff on lap 21 on his way to his 10th careeer win over Tim Moore, Kurzyniec, Derek Wiley, Regan Ford, Rob Moore, rookie Kyle Worley, Rich Frantz, David Kind and Randy DeMaggio. Clyde McKee has struggled with his machine for the first 2 weeks, but seems to have things running right again as he scored the 15 lap B Main over Rich Abel, Jim Kourtakis, Jim Stocker, Ray Coop, rookie Justin Boatman, Tony Camilli and Troy Brehmer. McKee won the B heat, while Ford Jr. set fast time at 13:261. Abel led the B field at 13:994.
Saturday, May 10 is Allen Chevrolet/Cadillac All Faiths Night at Flat Rock Speedway. Fans can present their church bulletin at the ticket window and receive $5 off the admission price (limit 2 people per bulletin). The ARCA Late Models, Figure 8’s and Street Stocks will provide the action, with more fun being provided by the Plywood race! Race time is 7 p.m.