Bakersfield, CA – Saturday night fans witnessed one of the greatest races ever on the Mesa Marin ½ mile. As Brandon Miller, Bakersfield, had to battle two of Mesa Marin’s most seasoned Late Model drivers, Dan Holtz of Pacific Palisades and Barry Bradshaw of Bakersfield. Miller took an early lead, but then had to fend off charge after charge from current points leader Holtz and Bradshaw. For most of the 75-laps the three were side by side or nose to tail. Miller maintained his line in the second grove as he was challenged relentlessly throughout the race. Both Holtz and Bradshaw challenged and at times had the advantage, but Miller never faltered, and held off the challenges and the occasional contact. The 19-year old held his own and won his 1st Late Model race in 2001.
Holtz ended up with 2nd place and Bradshaw settled for 3rd. Kevin Small drove to 4th followed by Lance Wilson and Rodney Preacher.
Defending Series champ Mike Duncan spun into the inside retaining wall in qualifying. His team went to work to repair the car before the main, but mechanical problems sent him to the pits early.
Shafter High Senior, Lance Wilson, graciously accompanied by his beautiful prom date Kelly, came from the Shafter High Prom at Seven Oaks Country Club courtesy of the Limousine Scene to suit up for the "Mountain Dew 75." After starting at the rear of the feidl Wilson went on to a fifth place finish.
In Ultra Wheels Super Trucks Series, Billy Helgeson jumped out front of Dan Moore, Scott Calvin and Jim Kondziela, but it wasn’t long before Jeremy Salamacha moved from the a 5th place to challenge Helgeson. Once Salamacha got past Helgeson, it looked like he may have the ride to the winner’s circle until Jon Campbell made his way to 2nd place. For over 60 laps Campbell pushed on Salamacha high and low to get by. Finally on a re-start in the last twenty laps, Salamcha slide up the track as Campbell powered by into the lead, Salamacha challenged back but Campbell held on for the victory. Greg Adler, Thane Alderman and Scott Calvin rounded out the top five.
In NASCAR Street Stock competition Tony Alvarez made it three main event wins in a row, but not without a fight from Josh Robinson. Josh Horn, Robert Faihtinger and Anthony Gillespie filled the top five positions.
Mesa Marin’s next event is May 5 with the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Models, Limited Late Models, Street Stocks and 911 Race For Youth.
