From: lthomas@concordmotorsportpark.com
Subject: CHAD MULLIS OPENS 08 WITH CONCORD VICTORY
Date: Sunday March 23, 2008 3:30 am
News From: Concord Motorsport Park             

Further Info: Larry Thomas (704) 782-4221 or lthomas@concordmotorsportpark.com                                       

CHAD MULLIS OPEN 08 WITH CONCORD VICTORY

CONCORD, N.C.  – Chad Mullis of Mint Hill scored his first Victory of the 2008 season in the NASCAR Town and Country Ford late model stock feature Saturday night at Concord Motorsport Park.  Other winners on Town & Country Ford Night were: Adam Welch of Hinesburg, VT in the 25 lap thunder roadsters feature; Jay Payne of Thomasville in the 40-lap JRD Earthworks limited late model feature; Ben Smith of Harrisburg in the 30-lap Coca-Cola pure stock feature; and Tracy Mullis of Indian Trail, NC in the 20-lap fast and furious fours feature.

Mullis started the event from 5th position after 2007 Champion Chuck Crump of Star, NC had arrived at the track with guns blazin’ and promptly sat on the pole with a 108.584 mph qualifying effort for the pole, but, Crump began to fade with a deflating tire and was caught a lap down early on.  Brad Kurth of Kernersville, NC then led before he was also humbled by a cut tire.  Mullis moved steadily through the field until grabbing the point on lap 23.  Mullis was never headed for the balance of the 75-lap run and took the trophy in a brand new Mullis Well Drilling Ford Fusion.  Kyle Beattie of Indian Trail finished second in a Chevy Monte Carlo SS.  Third went to returning three-time Justin Hill of Concord in the #45 Monte Carlo and fifth to Jeff Melton of Concord in the #6 Chevrolet Impala SS.  New father Mullis, who’s newest daughter is only days old was exuberant in victory lane.  “I didn’t know how good we were coming into the event, but, this is the best race car I’ve ever driven here!  Billy Hess builds a great race car.  Thanks to everyone who worked all winter on this car!”

A field of 16 INEX thunder roadsters took the green and, as usual, put on one of the most competitive shows of the night.  Adam Welch, Kyle Beattie and Jesse Bunnell were able to separate from the field by a few car lengths and put on a symposium on exciting, close-quarters racing.  At the end, it was Welch in victory lane exclaiming “I’ve finally beaten Kyle Beattie here!  Thanks to Kyle, he ran me clean.  I just had a baby girl Thursday… this one’s for her!”  Yes, two new fathers in victory lane this week.  Maybe there’s a clue to winning at Concord here.  Beattie came in second, Bunnell third, Michael Van WinGerden of Huntersville fourth and Scott Knox of Cornelius fifth.

Mike Terry of Charlotte, NC took the point from the pole in the J R D Earthworks limited late model feature, but a mechanical ailment slowed the fleeing #23 Chevy and Jay Payne was able to push his Ford Fusion to the lead and the eventual win as Terry slowed.  Steve Ackerly of Medford, NY was able to place his $66 Ford Fusion in second, Terry third, Jeff Melton of Concord claimed fourth and Larry Huneycutt of Concord crossed the line in fifth.

Ben Smith of Harrisburg, NC was the 2007 Coca-Cola Pure Stock Champion and Rookie of the Year without scoring a victory during the season.  Smith corrected that situation with a win in the pure stock feature Saturday.  Charles Hutto of Monroe claimed second in the #1 Monte Carlo after a fierce battle with Smith and Todd Bradburry of Rialto, California in the #5 Monte Carlo.  Bradburry moved from his eighth starting spot to the lead on lap 13 but his engine expired in a big way laps later.  Smith claimed his first Pure Stock trophy, Hutto was runner-up with Clinton baker of Charleston, IL finishing third, Mike Southwell of nearby Stanfield fourth and Cooper Faasson of Monroe crossing the line fifth.

A huge field of 23 fast and furious fours competitors opened the evening.  This division is becoming very popular among the competitors and fans.  The racers like it because of the affordable aspect of the class and the fans like the close competition.  After 20 laps it was the defending champion Tracy Mullis In victory lane with his familiar “Enforcer” themed Honda.  Wayne Harrington of Salisbury returned after a couple of season away to run second, Chad Johnson of Concord third, Bradley Kimrey of Norwood third and Steve Teague of Welcome, NC fifth.

Friday night’s Legends and Bandoleros winner were:  Bandolero Beginner Bandits- Heather Lynn of Charlotte.  Bandits- Mason Massey of Winston, GA.  Young Guns- Matt Linker of Mt. Pleasant, NC.  Outlaws- Nathan Rodgers of Oil City, PA.  RPM Race Cars Legends: Semi Pro Charger- Austin Leitner of Lexington, SC.  Semi Pro- Justin Lloyd of Mooresville, NC. Pro- Nick Pistone of Charlotte.  Masters- Clay Hair of Mt. Pleasant, NC.

Legends and Bandoleros race again Friday evening March 28th.  NASCAR racing returns Saturday night May 5th.  Saturday April 29th the UARA Stars Late Model tour appears at Concord with the Whitley Truck and Equipment 150.  Racing starts at 7:00 PM with feature events for the fast and furious fours and grand stocks.

Concord Motorsport Park is located on highway 601 north of Midland and south of Concord. More information is available by calling (704) 782-4221 or at www.concordmotorsportpark.com.

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