GAFFORINI, GROSS SCORE ON CHRIS TRICKLE FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER AT THE BULLRING AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Source: LVMS Media Relations/jb
Date: 06/15/2008

LAS VEGAS – Scott Gafforini and Josh Gross shared victory lane tonight as both scored Super Late Model/Late Model Combo class wins during the Chris Trickle Father’s Day Weekend Doubleheader at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Ray Hooper Jr. was the early leader of the first 35-lap Super Late Model/Late Model Combo class feature until Dennis Rock assumed command on lap 3. Chris Birdsong took over for Rock on lap 9 as he powered to the inside of the leader in Turn 4. Scott Gafforini passed Birdsong on lap 18 on the front straightaway as the speedway’s top drivers battled throughout the pack. Once past Birdsong, Gafforini checked out on the rest of the field and went on to win by full straightaway. Chris Birdsong (in third place) was the highest-finishing Late Model.

Josh Gross started the second 35-lap Super Late Model/Late Model Combo feature from the pole position and led the first 22 laps unchallenged until John Spilotro spun in Turn 4 and Dave Campoverde, left with nowhere to go, crashed hard into him. Neither driver was injured and the ensuing restart placed Matt Jaskol and Scott Gafforini on Gross’ tail. Jaskol tried a move to the inside of Gross in Turn 1 on the restart but Josh held him off. Jaskol was a busy man, trying to find a way around Gross while holding off Gafforini. With five laps remaining, Gafforini powered beneath Jaskol and took the position. Gafforini ran out of laps and Gross scored his first Super Late Model/Late Model Combo class victory of the season. Chris Bray was the highest-finishing Late Model driver (in seventh place).

Dennis Lovelady dogged race leader Doug Hamm over the last 12 circuits of the 25-lap Modified feature but was unable to pass and had to settle for second place. Dow Woerner finished third.

Phil Goodwin took the lead on lap 3 of the 25-lap Charger feature and went on to win, followed by Mario Opipari and Vinny Raucci.

Larry “The Torch” Dittman won the always-entertaining 20-lap Bomber feature. Fred Harding finished second and Dan Nelson was third.

The 20-lap Legends Cars feature was won by Jeremiah Wagner. Dylan Kwasniewski finished second and Justin Hurdle was third.

The 12-lap Bandolero Bandits feature was won by Jacob Tilton. Patrick O’Hanley won the 12-lap Bandolero Young Guns feature.

PRELIMINARIES: The Budweiser Super Late Model/Late Model Combo Dash was won by Josh Gross. Jeremiah Wagner won the Budweiser Legends Cars Dash. Bandolero heats were won by Patrick O’Hanley (Young Guns) and Christian Warren (Bandits). Eight-lap Charger qualifying heats were won by Mario Opipari and Phil Goodwin. Dow Woerner won the eight-lap Modified qualifying heat. Bomber heats were won by Bryan Gerald and Gary Wyatt.

Fathers received free hats from Jerry’s Nugget Casino and 600 Racing donated three $50 Bass Pro Shops gift cards for door prizes.

NEXT EVENT: On Saturday, June 21, the Bullring will present U.S. Foodservice "Your-Kid-Is-Your-Coupon" Night, featuring the Super Late Model/Late Model Combo class, Legends Cars, Thunder Roadsters, Bandoleros, Modifieds, a demolition derby and kids’ Oreo cookie-eating contest. Bring your kid to the races: the kid gets in free and the parent will receive a $1 discount on adult admission. Spectator gates will open at 5 p.m. For more information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.

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