AABLM FANS, Drivers And Crew Came To Shasta Raceway Park With High Expectations — With great weather, a good track and much appreciated hospitality, no one was disappointed. We had eighteen late models make the trip to the first of 2 AABLM races scheduled here for 2010. Randy Houston, driving at his home track, had the home track advantage over the AABLM regulars and swept all events, having fast time, winning the “A” dash and the feature event. It did not take long for the AABLM’ers to learn the track’s unique turns and by the end of the race, Doss and Lovell were moving to the front quickly.
The fast time plaque, sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Randy Houston, who qualified first quick with a 15.826. Next was Eric Gannon, who brought a 16.087. Mike Doss with a 16.127, Dave Miller with a 16.128 and Mike Lovell rounded out the top five with 16.153.
Houston won the A dash; followed by Doss, Gannon, Miller, Lovell and Kevin Ostern. Kevin Estep won the B dash; followed by Jeremy Donahoo, Dallas Shane, Brandon Szymczak, Jim Stillman and Clay Caturegli
As the sun went down, the AABLM drivers jumped into their Late Models for the “All in one Stop 75 lap Feature Event.” With a 10 invert, Ken Gifford had the pole and last year’s winner, Eric Graham was on his outside. Graham got the jump on the start and it looked like it was going to be a repeat as Graham pulls ahead to a big lead. After the caution on lap 7 for lucky #7 Dallas Shane, Graham’s lead disappeared as Corey James was hot on his tail. Fast moving Houston was into the second spot by lap 13 and 3 laps later, took the lead over from Graham. Graham had mechanical issues on lap 22 and had to pit for repairs, ending his chance for a repeat of last year’s win. Rookie driver Shane brought out a few more yellow’s for solo spins while attempting to learn the track; by the end of the race we saw much improvement from him by staying on the lead lap. By lap 44 Lovell had moved in to second place, Doss was in third, followed by Corey, Miller and Gannon. On lap 50, Doss took second from Lovell and started making some gain on Houston. Miller and Gannon passed Corey for fourth and fifth. The final caution was on lap 71 for Estep and Gifford in turn two, giving us a four lap, green-green-white- checker. Houston took the checker with Doss and Lovell on his bumper, followed by Gannon and Shasta Raceway’s own David Braund in the # 88 I-5 Tire sponsored car finishing fifth. The AABLM is off for a much needed two week break.
Next race is Saturday June 26, 2010 at Ukiah Speedway for the second of four races scheduled for 2010. Ukiah Speedway will have a full night of entertainment featuring the Nor-Cal Pro 4 Modifieds, Legends, Modifieds, Street Stock, and AABLM.
See you at the Track
Bob Cook
