RACING HEATS UP AT IRWINDALE

Irwindale Speedway is trying something new, or should we say trying to bring back something that was popular a few years back, Friday night racing. The idea took off slow, but it is growing. The track has done its part by reducing prices. Kids are free on Friday night with each paying adult. Mother Nature has done her part by hugging the track with warm weather.

In the beginning of the season, the nights were cold. It was mostly the hard core fans braving the weather to watch the racing action. But thanks to the warmer weather and reduced prices people are coming out and according to Doug Stokes, "Friday is seeing increased attendance. We have had terrific races on Friday night. Right down to the line. The closest race we have had was a Friday night race with the Super Stocks closing in 300s of a second on the finish line."

And how about Saturday night? Well, this Saturday the Super Late Models, MSRA Pro Four, American Race Truck and Street Stock competed again on the ½ mile. Winning the NASCAR Super Late Model was Greg Pursley in the #98 Crown/Community Recycling Ford. Second place went to Rod Johnson, followed by Ben Walker, Tim Woods III and Brian Kelley.

In the MSRA Pro Fours Jim Warden captured the win followed by Phil Pratt, Bob Miller, Richie Lloyd, Bob Fulmer and Anthony Bevins. In the American Race Truck 30-lap main event Jason Morhieser took the lead from the #42 of Steve Dyer to win the event. Dyer came in second, Robbie Brand was third, Michael Thomas was 4th and rounding out the top 5 was John Hulsebosch.

The Street Stock event was won by the #3 of Luis Del Real after the first and second place finishers of the #91 of Albert Sallie was disqualified for illegal valve springs and the #78 of Kevin Fleischer for weight jackers. Alex Romo finished 2nd and Michael Pope came in 3rd.