THUNDER ROLLED BEFORE LIGHTNING STRUCK

Race fans witnessed a different combination of thunder and lightning Saturday night at the Douglas County Speedway an ASA Member Track in Roseburg, Oregon.

Because following Kevin Johnson racing his big rig to the checkered flag after capturing the Rolling Thunder Semi Truck feature, lightning struck and flash rain fell to the track and put an end to the race card.

Johnson, from Chehalis, Wash., led midway through the 25-Lap event only to relinquish the top spot and later regain the lead during the waning circuits.

“I had a good run early, but had to come back in the end,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have the fastest truck out there, but we were in the right place when it counted.”

Eight Semis from the Rolling Thunder group made the trek from Washington for the local show. Organizer Mike Gibbons, who drives the red, white and blue No. 76, grabbed the lead past Johnson’s No. 27 on Lap 13, but faded to fourth at the finish. Scott Zahn finished second and Jeff Swanstrom, who won the fast heat, finished third.

Dale Roth won the 25-Lap ASA Premier Division Main.

Roth, who started scratch from the tail end of the 13-car field, passed Wade Koens on the inside of Lap 19 before cruising to victory. Koens, who has led the ASA Premier points race the entire season, went on to post a second place finish and Alan Cress was third. Roth remains in third place in the points race behind Matt Klaas, who finished fourth in Saturday’s race.

The second of the two scheduled ASA Mains was canceled due to the rain spurt.

In Super Stock action, Bobby Edwards won the Main, the Trophy Dash and the Time Trial. Following Edwards to the checkered in the Main was Don Moore and Bob Brumback in second and third respectively. Don Livermore won the first Heat. Edwards and Brumback are first and second in the season points race.

Winston’s Jim Smith topped a 17-car Mini Stock field to win the 25-Lap Main.

Smith raced his way to the lead on Lap 6 and didn’t allow a challenging Rob Mueller to take away the win. Mueller the current points leader and 2007 champion finished a close second with Dave Wilson, who is second in points, in third. Smith sits third in the season standings.

Ross Huffman won the Junior Stinger Main and Shane Kopp won the Dash. Molly Jobe won the Lady Stinger Dash.

Mike Batman continued his Oldtimer racing dominance by winning another Main and increasing his season points lead. Dean Cast and Mark Minter were second and third.

Racing resumes Saturday at the Douglas County Speedway featuring a Motorhome race, the ASA Premier Division, Street Stocks, Super Stocks, Mini Stock Invitational, Hornets, J-Cars and Mini Vans. A firework display will be provided for the spectators and children will have the opportunity to ride in selected racecars.