CRAIG RAUDMAN WINS BIG O TIRE 200

Source: Judy Salamacha
Date: 10/21/2000

October 20 – Mesa Marin Raceway – Craig Raudman had the right strategy and the right muscle in his Late Model #12 to fend off a field of 44 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Cars in the October Classic’s Opening Night main feature, the "Big O Tire 200." Raudman started 4th behind Dan Holtz, who posted fast time in qualifying ahead of Jason Small and Mesa Marin’s 2000 Track Champion Mike Duncan.

Small jumped to an early lead, which he held until lap 56 when Holtz was able to take the position. On lap 78 strategy played its role as Duncan, Small, Raudman and others pitted for left side tires knowing at lap 100 they had a natural break and could take on two more. That left Holtz, Rick Grissom, Rod Johnson, Keven Vernon and Marc Groskreutz in the top five. But Brandan Miller was right behind them and quickly took over 5th. Vernon moved up to 2nd behind Holtz and really pushed on Holtz to grab the lead before the mid-break. As the caution yellow was thrown, Duncan’s rear end was smoking and everyone thought he was done. As the green flew on lap 101 it was Vernon, Holtz, Grissom, Miller and Johnson. Duncan’s crew got oil to the rear end and he seemed to come out ready to challenge. Then on lap 104 Jason Small hit the front wall hard and Grissom and Holtz took the opportunity to pit and get their right side tires. On lap 123 Vernon spins in turn 4 and takes it behind the wall giving the lead to Brandon Miller followed by Craig Raudman. Meanwhile Holtz and Grissom were moving up to the front. Duncan eventually loses the rear end they thought they saved and Raudman takes the lead with Holtz chasing him. Until the next yellow, it looked like Raudman would have clear sailing, but once the field tightened Holtz and Raudman played "I want the lead" until Raudman finally won the challenge and Holtz had to settle for 2nd place followed by Miller, Rod Johnson and Greg Voigt.

In the earlier 100 laps of the Ultra Wheels SPEC Truck Series Jon Campbell, 25, of Laguna Hills made his way to the finish line. Campbell held off a strong charge from Nathan Wulff until Wulff cut a tire and turned it sideways. Jim McGill then began the push on Campbell, but he endured and McGill settled for 2nd followed by Joe Herold, Mike David and Greg Adler. Mike David had to come from the back of the 28-truck field when he pitted right after the beginning of the race. He was the hard charger of the field making his way up to 4th place. Vince Little, 42, who finished deep in the top 10, was congratulated for locking up the Ultra Wheel SPEC Truck Championship for 2000.

Also on the program was the Super TT Motorcycles. Sean Alexander of Simi Valley pulled off a double win taking the winner’s champagne in both the Premier and Sportsman Divisions. Mark Jones and Allen Webster finished 2nd and 3rd in both divisions.

Tomorrow night at 7:30 the NASCAR Southwest Series and CAM SuperModifieds, plus Super TT Motorcycles will take to the track for the 2nd edition of the October Classic 2000.

Finishing Order Late Models:Craig Raudman, Holtz, Brandon Miller, Rod Johnson, Greg Voigt, Tommy Fry Jr, Rick Grissom, Brian Branson, Sean Woodside, Jess Allen, Ron Overman, Schmitt, Beat, Groskreutz, Dean Kuhn, Kevin Small, Jeff Latimer, Kevin Vernon, Mike Duncan, Jason Small, Aldridge, John Tyczki Jr, David Gilliland, Borneman, Brandon, Rex Calderwood, Barry Bradshaw, Brandon Loverock.

Finishing Order Ultra Wheel Spec Trucks:Jon Campbell, Jim McGill, Joe Herold, Mike David, Greg Adler, Vince Little, Dan Moore, Jeremy Salamacha, Dave Blankenship, Scott Calvin, Mark Laeger, Jesse Poppen, Kevin Thompson, Posey, Michael Sherman, O'Neil, Steve Stanton, Subith, Tom Stanton, Larry Hinderman, Wulff, Jim Kondziela, Jake Hodges, Thane Alderman, Alexander, Bill Helgeson, Madriano.

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