Flat Rock Speedway

Flat Rock, MI (8-16-2008)--  There was activity both on and off the track on a perfect day weather-wise Saturday night at Flat Rock Speedway, as “The Rock” hosted the Sterling Printing and Graphics/Leppen Chiropractic Autograph Night.  Fans were treated by Flat Rock’s race teams to candy, photos and treats during the on-track autograph session prior to the race program.  Feature winners for the night were Eric Lee, Billy Earley, Mike Jaynes and Larry Smouthers Jr.

The annual Racer’s Reunion was also held, with dozens of former drivers introduced to the crowd at intermission.  The United Way of Monroe County had many guests on hand for their annual kick-off event for their new campaign also Saturday evening.

The 50 lap ARCA Moran Chevrolet/Miller Lite Late Model feature saw current point leader Eric Lee capture the event over Ricky Kargel.  The lead duo battled for much of the contest, with Kargel looking low and high while stalking the leader.  Greg Studt led the first 7 circuits until Lee motored by on the outside on lap 8.  Kargel followed suit as the pair waged a great battle as they pulled away from the 24 car field.  A lap 19 red flag was necessary when Justin Schroeder had the rear axle come out of his car, stopping the action.  Lee continued out front to the checkered flag over Kargel, Studt, Ron Allen, Dennis Strickland, Scott Giroux, Chris Benson, Keith Nelson, Joe Hawes and Steve Cronenwett Jr.  Cronenwett was running fifth with 5 laps to go when his ignition sputtered as the pack narrowly missed his car until it finally re-fired.  Lee set quick time for the 25 car field at 11:688.  Heat wins went to Strickland, Hawes and Kevin Butzin.

Billy Earley withstood a great battle with Jerry Lee to win his first race of the season in the 20 lap ARCA Speedway Bar and Grille Figure 8 main event.  Earley jumped out front early on and Lee applied the pressure and actually took the lead for a short distance on lap 13 until Earley got back by for the lead.  A lap 3 red flag was displayed when Jeremy Miller’s car caught fire.  The race went back to green and Billy had enough to pick up the win over Dennis Whisman, who nipped Robbie Loving at the stripe for second spot.  Jeremy Vanderhoof was fourth and Greg Studt fifth, followed by Danny Apperson, Anthony Terris, Gary Cronenwett, Sam Hall and Randy Roberts.  Loving set a new track record in time trials with a lap of 20:421. 

Returning to Street Stock action for the first time in 10 years, Mike Jaynes jumped behind the wheel of Steve Cronenwett Jr.’s machine and promptly won the 25 lap ARCA Greater Detroit Auto Auction A Main.  Jaynes, who was successful in Late Models until he gave it up last season, was strong out front in the all-green flag race.  Regan Ford made a valiant bid for the win in the final 5 laps, making up a bunch of ground and came up just short at the stripe.  Third was Scott Selmi, fourth was Dan Ford Jr. and fifth went to Tim Moore.  Clyde McKee, Randy DeMaggio, David Kind, Rich Frantz and Derek Wiley were next in line to complete the top ten. 

Larry Smouthers Jr. took the lead on lap 10 when leader Chris Burkhart tangled with Jim Selmi, giving him the lead on his way to victory in the 15 lap B Main, his first feature win ever.  James Rae, John Huebner Sr., Chris Diovardi, Lonnie York, Mike Hans, Al Hasenfratz, Joe Gramlich, Ed Hindall and James Pankow were next in line.  Dan Ford Jr. topped the 49 car field with a lap of 13:369, while Chris Burkhart led the B Main at 13:857.  The B Main heats went to Gramlich, Hans and Hindall.

Flat Rock Speedway continues its Saturday night race cards through September 13.  Up next on the schedule is the Stoney Creek Auto Parts Kids Night Saturday, August 23.  All kids to age 14 will be admitted FREE of charge and will also receive a FREE hot dog, chips and a drink!  The ARCA Late Models, Figure 8’s and Street Stocks will be in action.  The TKC Go-Karts will stage exhibition races at 6:30 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. race program.  For up to date information, check out the track’s website at www.flatrockspeedway.com