DOUGLAS COUNTY SPEEDWAY PRESENTS: THE L.L.M.R.S.

Source: LLMRS Media Relations
Date: 07/08/2008

ROSEBURG, Oregon -- Overcast skies, extremely warm and very muggy weather set the scene for another great night of racing.

And, if you have never been to Roseburg to watch a race at this facility, you are robbing yourself of some great shows. Case in point, as the L.L.M.R.S. put on another super show for the spectators.

As the cars began with their 'hot laps', many found themselves struggling to find that perfect set-up. Perhaps a slippery, hot track played into that as even in practice the drivers found themselves fighting with that famous term we know and love called 'PUSHY-LOOSE'! Even in the pits, there was action, when a push truck tried to help with a little push for a car having trouble getting started, but ended up shoving the rear quarter panel just a bit too hard...oops! But, on days like this you find the pit crews, made up of Dads, brothers, Moms, wives, friends and kids working hard to find the right twist or turn on the car.

The Oregon boys brought their toys to the track, with the likes of the #30 'Gabby Hays' ( Bob Hays ) and the #52 of 'Weird Al' ( Gene Lynch ) and James Pierce Jr. in the #51 all ready to show the others what they had.

When the time trials began the #40 of Dylan Caldwell had his sights set at holding on to the title of setting fast time. While others, such as the #10 of John Boyatt, and the #68 of Tim McDougald was just as eager. It was the young 16 year old Caldwell who again got the honors of fast time with a 16.45.

With a packed night of racing, the trophy dashes were cancelled. And this allowed the L.L.M.R.S. a chance to work out some more problems, and for others, discover problems. The team cars of Gene Lynch and James Peirce Jr. found themselves fighting overheating problems, 'Gabby' Bob was fighting a mystery problem in his car, and the crew of Tim McDougald found that they were going to have to run the main on seven cylinders. As frustrating as this was for them, all were determined to go out and give the fans a show, and that is exactly what they did.

A cast of eight cars took to the track for the 50 lap main. It was a straight up start, with the exception of the #68 McDougald who had to start last because he had won the previous race in P.A. Coming down for the green found this pack of hard chargers going all out. #10 of Boyatt found himself tapping the #40 of Caldwell going into turn three. Caldwell got a little sideways and yet held on to lead the first lap. All the while the #21, ( a 12 and 3/4 year veteran ) Rick Gerard was holding on to third.

The seventh lap had #68 of McDougald passing #52 Lynch in a battle for the 6th position, and by the time lap 8 came around it had #10 Boyatt coming hard out of turn 2 and going hard to the inside on the back stretch to take first away from Caldwell. Two laps later, the 2nd place spot was an all out hold what you got race, as #08 Jeff Mullins seemed to lightly scrape the backstretch wall duking it out with the #21 of Gerard.

Lap 17 brought out the first caution as the #52 of Lynch spins into the dirt in turn one. This allowed the field to line up on a little bit more 'up close and personal' single file restart. Boyatt had a mirror full as Caldwell was in it, Gerard setting his eyes on second with a determined Mullins planning his moves. Let’s not forget #30 of Bob Hays who along with the #68 of McDougald were battling 'ill' cars, were still consistent and always in someone’s rear view.

Green again, and Caldwell was making sure Boyatt knew he was there. High side, low side, Caldwell kept Boyatt on alert. Lap 26 in turns 3 and 4, Caldwell made his presence a little too well known as he turned the #10 of Boyatt around. Caldwell was put to the back for the incident and upon lining up for the restart, with emotions running high, Boyatt appeared to make a point to Caldwell on the front stretch, which in turn, found himself also going to the back of the pack just ahead of Caldwell.

On the restart, Gerard found himself in a dream position....1st! Knowing he had his work cut out, he raced like he never had before. Within two laps Boyatt moved up to the third spot, Caldwell into fifth. Lap 29 had Boyatt second and Gerard holding on to first. Caldwell found a dip in the dirt can cost you as he lost a position or two; and lap after lap all these cars showing their stuff.

Let's call it another incident of 'the want' to get that first place position; as on lap 35, Boyatt drove a little too hard into turns 3 and 4 and got firmly planted into the back of Gerard. As the rule goes, Boyatt found himself to the back of the pack for a second time, and on the restart, within two laps, he was on his way to the third place position. And on that same lap, Gerard found himself getting passed in the first and second turns by Caldwell. Gerard at one point was so loose on the back stretch, it made the officials take a deep breath. It was then on lap 43 that Boyatt went for the position on the outside to take second from Gerard and start chasing after Caldwell.

The crowd was treated to yet another great finish as the fight did come down to the finish. Mullins trying hard for position, Boyatt wanting the win, and when the checkers flew, #40 Dylan Caldwell took home his first main event win in the L.L.M.R.S. at Douglas County Speedway. Awesome, Awesome, Awesome.....to each and every racer in that series! The finishing order came down as #40 Caldwell, #10 Boyatt, #21 Gerard, #08 Mullins, #30 Hays, #68 McDougald, #51 Pierce, and #52 Lynch.

Super show, super fun and a big thanks to Mr. 'Official' Bob,...couldn't have done it without you!

Don’t miss the remaining dates on the 2008 LLMRS tour, as this high energy, action packed series returns to Eastern Washington for the next 2 races on the 2008 LLMRS tour.

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