Further Info: Larry Thomas (704) 782-4221 or lthomas@concordmotorsportpark.com
JUSTIN HILL CLAIMS FIRST CONCORD LATE MODEL TROPHY
CONCORD, N.C. – Justin Hill, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida but now residing in Concord, piloted his Hill's A/C Auto 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS to his first-ever Late Model Stock Car victory Saturday night in the Town & Country Late Model feature of JRD Earthworks Night at the Races at Concord Motorsport Park. Other winners of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series events were: Mike Terry of Charlotte, driving the J R D Earthworks / Truck Service of Charlotte / Maaco Paint & Body / Racing Electronics 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the 40-lap JRD Earthworks limited late model feature; Charles Hutto of Monroe in the #1 WIXE 1190 AM - Autotrader.com 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the Coca-Cola Pure Stock feature and Wayne Harrington of Salisbury in the C & D Salvage "SUPERMAN" Honda Prelude in the 20-lap fast and furious fours feature.
Last season’s Late Model champ, Chuck Crump of Star, NC jumped to the point on the green flag from his pole position, but quickly feel back through the pack with brake problems yielding the lead to Jeff Melton in the tenth laps. Melton and newcomer Chase Austin of Eudora, Kansas driving the #61 Chevy then waged a side by side battle through lap 64 when Austin made contact with Melton’s car, forcing it into the outside front straight wall, ending Melton’s effort. The resulting caution period allowed Hill to close on Austin. On the restart it took Hill only 3 laps to get under Austin in Turn 3 and sail onto to a closely contested victory. Austin’s second place didn’t hold up as the NASCAR inspectors found valve springs and rocker arms that didn’t belong in the “crate” engine. Second was awarded to former 3-time champion Kevin Love of Midland, third then was Chad Mullis of Mint Hill, fourth Terry Brooks, Jr. of Concord and fifth rookie David Currier, Jr. The double points award also vaulted Kevin Love into the lead in the points table.
“Wow, finally!” Said an emotional Hill in the Independent Tribune Victory Lane interviews. “Thank God for that caution.”
Mike Terry took the win in the J R D Earthworks Limited Late Models after he and Jay Payne of Thomasville again put on a classic duel. Payne led the first 21 laps with Terry figuratively on his rear bumper. Terry finally made the right move and was able to pull away slightly after the pass. Terry had set a new track record for Limited Late Model in the afternoon time trials at 17.032 seconds (105.683 mph). Payne did claim second, Steve Ackerly third, David Miller fourth and Sam McAulay fifth.
Two weeks ago Charles Hutto and Jesse Bunnell tangled coming through Turn 3, resulting in the #1 Chevy needing a new front end. The team finished the car at 11:00 AM Saturday morning and really didn’t know what to expect when they arrived at the track. Charles forged to a fastest qualifying lap of 90.877 miles per hour, serving notice that he was indeed back, but started the race from 6th after the draw. Cooper Faassen started up front, Clinton Baker took the lead on lap 6, then Jesse Bunnell nosed ahead on lap 11. Last week’s winner, Todd Bradburry made a rather spectacular exit from the event when the right rear wheel parted company from the #5, tossing Mr. Bradburry rather unceremoniously into the back straight wall several times. Hutto made a clean pass on Bunnell during the 22nd lap and held on for the win. Bunnell claimed second, Baker third, Faassen fourth and newcomer Steve Barnes claimed fifth. Hutto now hold a 14 point lead in the Coca-Cola Pure Stock standings.
The Tim Marburger Honda Fast & Furious Fours again showed the largest field of the evening with 19entries, 18 of which took the green flag. Wayne Harrington in the #3 “Superman” Honda led flag to flag. Second went to Chad Miller in the #88, third was Bradley Kimrey of Norwood, fourth Jake Simpson of Albemarle and Tracy Mullis moved to fifth from his dead last start following the May 10th victory.
Friday night’s Legends and Bandoleros winners were: Beginner Bandits: Stevie Johns Mooresville, NC #9 Cagnazzi Racing - Jegs Bandolero. Bandits: Dillon Bassett Winston Salem, NC #44 Bassett Seamless Gutters Bandolero. Young Guns: Robert Poole Davidson, NC #25 Valvoline Bandolero. Outlaws: Kendell Sellers Kannapolis, NC #6 J D L Homes - Sellers Racing Bandolero. Chargers: Justin Grimes North Wilkesboro, NC #63 NPR - Window World Legends. Semi Pros: Justin Lloyd Mooresville, NC #43 A&J Motorsports - Lake Norman Counseling Service '34 Ford Coupe. Pro: Daniel Hemric Kannapolis, NC #21 '34 Ford Coupe. Masters: Clay Hair Mt. Pleasant, NC #29 Legends.
Legends and Bandoleros will compete on the quarter-mile track again this Friday May 30th in the final event of the spring series. Pit gates open at 5:30 PM, practice is scheduled for 6:10. Heat races will follow the drivers meeting at approximately 7:45 and feature will follow.
Saturday May 31st is Town and Country Ford Kid’s Night! Children age 11 and under will ride parade laps in the race cars at 7:30 and a full night of racing follows.
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.
Results May 23, 2008
Results May 24, 2008 |
