KEVIN VERNON WINS SEASON OPENER

Source: MMR MEDIA RELATIONS
Date: 03/20/2001

March 18, 2001 – Two time Mesa Marin Raceway Track Champion Kevin Vernon of Bakersfield jumped out to an early lead and never gave it up to take the first checkered of the 2001 season and winning the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Car "Time Warner Cable 100." His biggest challenge came from Craig Raudman of Bakersfield. Raudman had to come from the back after giving Brandon Miller too much of a nudge on lap 28. But he worked his way back to 2nd by lap by lap 74 to become Vernon’s strongest challenger of the day. Raudman made several runs on Vernon, including a photo finish victory lap, but Vernon won by a mere front fender.

The Small Motorsports team had a tough day. Jason Small of Bakersfield, who raced yesterday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "OSH 250" and today’s NASCAR Winston West "Foods Co 200" started on the first row with Vernon, but half way through had technical problems. His brother Kevin , last year’s rookie of the year, was running 4th then went home with a heart-breaker day when the engine blew five laps from the end of the race.

Dan Holtz, who finished second to Mike Duncan in the series last season, qualified 10th but was able stay out of trouble to take 3rd for the day. Jeremy Salamacha qualified 8th and moved up to 3rd fending off several advances from Barry Bradshaw. Salamacha then spun in turn 2 on lap 48 and had to settle for 10th place.

Brandon Miller of Santa Ana finished 4th after coming from the back after the altercation prompted by Raudman on lap 28.

Kevin Thompson of Cypress qualified 15th, but was able to take home a 5th place for the night followed by Leslie Lipscomb of Pasa Robles, Rodney Peacher of North Hills, Brandon Whitt and Michael Walker.

Mike Duncan started 4th, slowed on lap-16 putting him a lap down with an 11th place finish. Gary Collins and Barry Bradshaw headed for the pits on lap 82 and had to settle for 13th and 15th.

Mesa Marin will take a week off after this weekend’s 4-day Festival of Speed featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Winston West, Ultra Wheels Super Trucks and the Late Model event. Racing returns March 31 with the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Models, California Asphalt Super Modifieds, Limited Late Models, and Street Stocks. Gates will open at 5pm with general admission tickets $9 and kids 12 and under are free. For more information contact Mesa Marin Raceway at 661.366-5711.

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