Flat Rock Speedway

SOUTHGATE MI (8-28-08)--Two drivers returned to victory lane for the first time in 2008, Paul Pelletier in the Super Late Models and Steve Chartrand in the B division Street Stocks. It's been over two years since Paul Pelletier visited victory lane. "It's been a struggle lately. I can't thank Bob Ward enough, we didn't have a driveshaft and he crafted one for us. This win is for you, Bob. We finally got the monkey off our backs this season. I want to thank my sponsors ABC Plumbing, Jaimes Industry, Four Star Steel, Burn Machine-Arrow Systems and Renu Techonolgies," said the driver of the #44 who won his fourth career LM feature tonight.

Dennis Strickland finished second and picked up some points on division leader Eric Lee and now trails him by 115 points with two race weekends to go.

Eric Lee was running second when he and Ricky Kargel (who was in third) tangled in turn three. Kargel kept going, Lee spun and came across the start finish line in eight place. Officials later judged that Kargel spun Lee and Kargel was placed behind Lee in the finishing order.

There was a six car wreck on the first lap, involving Kevin Butzin, Randy Cronenwett Jr., Bill Litigot, Dave Henneberry, Scot Bunge and Joe Hawes. Hawes and Bunge stayed on the track during the red, while the other four drivers took their cars back to the pits for the repair. Only Litigot was unable to continue. Cronenwett Jr. came out looking like a modified.

Dan Ford Jr., won his third Street Stock A division feature of the season. The win, the 12th of his Street Stock career. "Don Lane really hit on something with the chassis. The car handled well. It was a tough one, I think every car I passed tonight gave me a donut on the way through," said the driver of the Remerica Country Homes, J.A.F Enterprises, Targey Steel, Flat Rock Tire #99.

Tim Moore finished second and is now 220 points behind Ford Jr., who leads points.

Stevie Cronenwett was back in his #21 after taking a week break while Mike Jaynes (who won) raced last week.

Steve Chartrand won his first feature in over a year. He won the B division feature in the Street Stocks, his first since July 21, 2007. "I've had a terrible season. I want to thank my family and Cousin Tim. Last week the car wouldn't start ... a few weeks ago I had a really good run going and got taken out. I really thought about quitting and buying a boat, but the way my luck's been it probably would've sank," said the driver of the #14.

Chris Burkhardt was involved in an accident in his heat race and drove his brother Jason's #6 in the feature. He started last and finished 12th.

Rich Abel continues to lead the B division Street Stock points. He has a 115 point lead on Joe Gramlich with two weeks remaining.

Randy Gallagher, who normally drives in the Michigan Legend Series, drove his first Stock Car race today... and won his heat! He finished 18th in the feature.

Catching up with some leftovers from last week. Larry Smouthers Jr. won the B main and would like to thank his sponsors: United Road, Budget Tire, Tecspex Graphics and Design and Glass Unlimited. He would also like to thank his parents and friends for all the support.

Jeremy Miller won his fourth Figure 8 feature at Toledo. It is the most feature wins of anyone at Flat Rock this season. "I want to thank Robbie Loving and Robbie Martel's sponsors. They're letting me finish the season in their backup car," said the driver of the #52 after his 33rd career win at Flat Rock.

Anthony Terris finished fourth, and I believe this is his career best finish in the Figure 8s. His previous best at Flat Rock seventh three times this year. (His best finish at Toledo is fifth).

Brice Thompson duplicated his best finish of the season with a fifth. He finished in the same position during the 50-lapper several weeks ago.

Rookie Gary Cronenwett got a new ride for the remainder of this season and for the 2009 season. He has taken over driving duties of the #08, part of the Apperson Racing fleet of Figure 8 cars (there's a mess of them out there). He finished sixth, a career best tonight. The ride is for Flat Rock and Toledo.

Stephanie Bradley and Chuck Pankow (her father) flip flopped rides for the Figure 8 feature because Chuck's had mechanical problems.

The Sportsman Division feature was won by Ron Allen, his fifth of the season 46th Sportsman win of his career.

Allen won the race, but the championship went to Jim Froling. I don't have my book right now, but this may be his first championship. Jim won by 45 points over Allen. More this weekend when I can interview our new champion.

Josh Bunting won the A main for the Factory Stocks. It is his second win in a row and 10th of his career putting him third on the all time win list.

Kevin Little won the B main for the Factory Stocks. I'm not sure when's the last time he won a feature but it may be back when Sonny Adams owned the track, I'll have to check Sunday and find out.

Mike Bershback won his first 4 Cylinder feature of the season.