At the birthplace of the now famous NASCAR Craftsman Trucks, Mesa Marin Raceway, Saturday night racing included several divisions and there were more than a couple of interesting happenings. For starters, in the MSRA Pro-4 Series the 1st and 2nd place in the points were both waiting on car repairs before the start of their event. The No. 02 of Jim Warden the points leader was involved in a practice incident with the car No. 55 of Sean Harris. Harris hit the turn two wall and was stopped on the track as Warden came around the turn going straight into the stopped car. Warden, was able to drive away, but suffered severe damage to the right front. With only 9 points separating the 1st and 2nd place point standings and only 4 races to go it was critical they get the car in the main event.
Oddly enough 2nd in the MSRA standings, Richie Lloyd was waiting on a transmission. Rumor has it that Lloyd the Rookie-of-the Year in the series in 1994 and a two time series champion, may possibly be looking to move up to the Tour or Winston West. But for now he is anxiously awaiting that transmission! Kenny Smith, 5th in the MSRA points is absent tonight racing in the NASCAR Winston West Series.
In the Late Model Series, Mike Duncan, third in the points had an engine that went south. Coming to the aid of Duncan was Tom Fry. Duncan said of the opportunity, "I'm really grateful to Tom Fry and Greg Pursley and all their guys for giving me the opportunity to drive their car. If I had my choice this is definitely the car. These guys have proven they have a dominating program and they have been dominant all season." What will Pursley drive? How about the pace car.
Michael Alsup, second in the points has one big obstacle, Kevin Vernon. Alsup said regarding the point's leader, "Kevin is good at this track, they are hard to beat, but I look for us to be right there."
And the current points leader, Kevin Vernon, with three championships, said, "I don't feel I have any real advantage. These guys have been racing as long as I have. Alsup and I have switched the lead 2 or 3 times this year. Our main goal is to finish ahead of these guys."
