A parade down Main Street in Lakeport Ca. kicked off the Memorial weekend for Lakeport Speedway and the AABLM. The Memorial Day point’s race had a lot to do with strategy and timing. The strategy before hand set up Mike Doss, Kevin Ostern, and Forrest Kuecker to increase their qualifying time, making them the top 3 qualifiers. The timing was either good, or not. Corey James and Kuecker were in the wrong spot at the wrong time and Eric Graham and Doss took advantage of timing to win.
The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Doss who qualified first quick with an 11.890 (strategy). Next was Ostern, who brought an 11.939. Kuecker with 11.996, Graham with 12.023, Mike Lovell rounded out the top five with 12.033.
Now we know why they call it the fast dash. Kuecker and Lovell ran side by side at a very hard pace until the last lap when they tangled, James and Doss ran into the infield to avoid the collision, giving the victory to Graham. Graham won the trophy dash (timing), followed by Ostern, Kuecker, Corey James, Doss and Lovell
Every one was ready for another exciting “Marina Grill 75 laps Feature Event”. Joining the AABLM regulars were Sean Sweeney, driving David Furia’s #93, and Brandon Szymczak driving the #55x. Also back after a 2 race break was Myles Anderson of Anderson Logging. Before the evening started; we had 2 late models drop out due to mechanical issues; Clay Caturegli and Dallas Shane. Shane jumped into the #55x for the main, starting in the rear of the field. Allen Gibney had the pole and Kevin Estep was on his outside, Estep got the jump on the start and led the next 18 laps. The first of 3 cautions came out on lap 1 for Graham, Corey and Kuecker (wrong spot at the wrong time) The Forrest’s North River Guides #79 and Corey James #34 retired to the pits for the evening. On lap 15 Doss was already in second putting pressure on Estep, 4 laps later Doss took the lead. The second caution came out after a long green flag run on lap 42 for Shane, who spun in turn 1, and the final yellow came 10 laps later on lap 52 in turn 2, for Ostern’s solo spin. Doss took the checker flag, leading 56 of the 75 lap event. Graham finished 2nd, chasing Doss from lap 30, not making it an easy win for Doss. Lovell finished 3rd, Jim Stillman finished 4th, and Ostern pulled up 5th after his solo spin. Doss said that his crew is a big part of this win, with all the strategy and preparation that goes on at the race shop before hand. He also said his spotter Jeremy Doss was on his A game, letting him know when he could save his tires and when he needed to get up on the wheel and drive hard.
See You at the Track
Bob Cook
