ROGER AVANTS CONTINUES TITLE MARCH, GRABS EIGHTH WIN OF THE YEAR IN "CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL RACE OF CHA

Source: Rustad/Colorado National Speedway
Date: 08/11/2002

ERIE, Colorado -- Heading into the stretch run of the 2002 campaign at Colorado National Speedway, Roger Avants has already built a substantial lead in the point standings. On Saturday night at the 3/8 mile paved oval, the Littleton, CO veteran again proved that he is not inclined to back down and become conservative en route to the title. Avants attacked the competition and then powered away to his eighth NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge feature win of the year, as the 50-year-old solidified his odds of capturing an unprecedented fifth Prestige Capital Funding Late Model track championship. The 40 lap contest was the headline event in the "Children's Hospital Race of Champions", which also saw over $6,000 raised through a variety of activities that were held during the evening.

Scotty Backman wrestled the lead away from Beau Kellogg at the onset, with Avants running third. By lap five, Avants was around Kellogg, and he then needed just ten more circuits to get past Backman. As Backman and Kellogg waged an intense battle for second, Avants wheeled his McDonald's / Pro Vans USA Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the checkered flag owning a six car-length advantage. Backman narrowly secured the runner-up slot to notch his fifth second place award of the season. Kellogg settled with third, but continued to extend his chances of being named Rookie of the Year. Ken Walter and Bruce Yackey completed the top five.

Jerry Robertson, who is Avants' nearest rival in the title hunt, was running fifth in the race until the final lap when he lost power and coasted across the line. Posting a ninth place finish, Robertson now trails Avants by 68 points (838 - 770). Yackey remains third, 100 marks out of first place. Avants only needs to finish seventh or better in each of the division's four remaining races to lock up the 2002 crown.

In Snap-On Tools ProTruck action, Chris Archer commanded the entire 30 lap distance. Archer, who had gone win-less since taking his first career feature triumph on April 6th, was a full straightaway ahead of Darren Crocker at the finish. Billy Harkins took third in the caution-free race, with point leader Chris Leaf fourth, and Dave Deines fifth.

Official results from the Artcraft Signs Grand American Modifieds were not yet available due to an exchange of post-race engine protests. Unofficially, Joel Hansen took the trophy - his fifth over the division's last six appearances - to extend his lead in the standings. Chris Muhler headed the pack during the early stages, with Ronnie Hults and Hansen in pursuit. Hansen marched past Hults on the third lap, and made the winning move on Muhler at the halfway mark of the 30 lapper. At the stripe, Hansen owned an eight length margin over Muhler, with Hults third and Trevor Morrical fourth. Forest Smith became the division's new top rookie contender with his fifth place showing.

A pair of rookie drivers captured the spotlight in the Dunlap's Trailers Super Stock event, as Lee Kemmit out-paced Gary Lee to earn his first career win at the speedway. Ten laps remained when Kemmit overhauled Alan Carter for the lead, with Lee following. Kemmit was well in control at the end, 12 lengths in front of Lee. Trent Phillips made a late charge to secure third, while Carter fell to fourth and Luke Davis finished in fifth. Mike Bowen stretched his advantage in the championship quest with a sixth place performance.

The Featherlite Southwest Series, NASCAR Touring will make their annual appearance next Saturday night, August 17th, in the "United Power / Touchstone Energy 150". Over $50,000 will be on the line for the event, while support race action will include the ProTrucks, the Figure-Eights, and another running of the Trains.

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