Although the season is not completely over at Rocky Mountain Raceways, many season champions emerged Saturday night during their last races of the year. For the PPG Modifieds, Aire Tech Super Stocks, AIS Super Mini Cups and Legends, the race resulted in point champions for the year.
All Lynn Hardy needed was to successfully start the main event race to secure his points lead and championship. Due to car troubles after the heat race, Lynn started the main event, but failed to finish in the top five. Taking the checkered flag for the night, however, was #00 Jimmy Wysong, 12`° place in points going into Saturday night. Following Wysong is #66, James "Jimbo" Campbell; #68, Ron Moser; #11, Gary Madsen; and rounding out the top five is #9, Jim Cooksey. 'The PPG Modifieds will be returning to RMR Saturday, Sept. 23 for the PPG Modified 100 which is not a points race.
The Legends hit the track for their last race of the season with reigning champion Jeff Kelley, #55, leading the points race. Unfortunately, Kelley hit the wall coming out of turn four, wrecking the car and restricting him from returning to the race. His points lead, however, is so significant that he remains the Legends champion. David Johnson, #29, went home with the win, followed by #37, Robert Goodwin; #33, Billy Osoro; #8, Kelly Van Cleave; and #52, Terry Hendrix.
Another season-ending championship went to James Burman, #71 Aire Tech Super Stock driver. Burman, closely tailed in points by #93, Dennis "'The Menace" Thomas, finished third for the night. His win was secured when Thomas left the track due to mechanical problems, leaving the field open for Burman. Nick Parker, #30 took the night's win followed by #27, Tony Walters; Burman; #36, Eric Rhcad; and #24, Stanley Webster.
The AIS Super Mini Cup points race heats up and will be determined Saturday, Sept. 23. Winning last night's race was points leader Michael Laing, #24. #99, Allen Mathis; #60, Ron Binstock; #00, Chris Hannon; and #7, Tom Pugh rounded out the top five.
The Mavcrik Late Models returned for their last appearance at RMR before continuing on to their next venue. Points leaders Rick Ellison and Jeff Hillock left the race early with problems, allowing third place points holder #63, Marty Zehr, to take the win. #88, Clint Kidd, finished in second, followed by #37, Joe Hood; #77, Gary Porter; and #98, Frank Andreason.
SLVRA Sprint Cars finished their stay at RMR with #24, Raging Jimmy Waters taking home the championship.
RMR will host the biggest drag strip event of the year at the National Hot Rod Association (NORA) returns to Utah with the Federal-Mogul Divisional. The event will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the latter two open to spectators. A top-fife show will be included in Saturday's race, along with the elimination rounds of the event.
For more information, visit www.rmrracing.com or call Rocky Mountain Raceways at (801)252-9557.
