CARSON CITY, Nevada -- Last night, “Rapid” Rich Lawler (aka) “the pizza man” from Reno, Nevada took the inageral win for the Nevada Appeal - Sierra Mountain SuperSeries” presented by the “Plaza Hotel & 76 Racing Fuel” at the Champion Motor Speedway.
Lawler, who is the defending 2002 Champion Motor Speedway Late Model champion, was grinning from ear-to-ear after snagging the 125-lap feature from the last row of the 19 car starting grid.
Said Lawler, “This was a great way to start our 2003 season. We took our time getting to the front, and I think that was the key. At CMS it’s important to use up your equipment to early. By the time I got into the lead, I still had enough left in reserve to hold them off. I want to thank the Roseville racers from All American Speedway for coming over so we could present a strong field. I’d also like to thank the CMS staff for making all the facility improvements over the off-season. Carson City will be a great place to race in 2003.”
A near-capacity crowd also seemed pleased with the new changes and improvements to the speed plant. Fun Jumpers’ Earnhardt Memorial Park was a big hit with the kids and the bounce house and kids klub saw plenty of action during the evening.
Perhaps the most positive comments were made about the new concessions. Everyone complimented the selection, quality, and competitive prices.
However it was a very cool evening with temperature dropping near 40 degrees by 9pm. Due to the uncomfortable conditions, Race director Robert Kline decided to crack the whip so the event would move along as quickly as possible. The result was a quick and professionally run program that was in the history books by 10:10pm.
The new-look Western Modifieds where also added to the star-studded lineup and they did not disappoint.
Eleven “Mod Squad” ground-pounders took to the track for their CMS debut and the action was wild and wooly. Numerous cars experienced trouble maintaining grip on the 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval and several cautions flew as a result. Once the dust had settled Les Friend from Galt, California had taken the 30-lap main event, followed by Jeff Brunton from Riolinda California, and Michael Morrissey from Tahoe City, California.
The Western Modifieds will return next week for “Les Schwab Nite” presented by “Kelly Moore Paint” along with the Limited LateModels, Hustlin’ Hornets, and Bandoleros.
However right before the beatin’ and bangin’ gets under way - Longs Jewelers will present the “best looking car” contest for the Limited LateModels and Bandoleros. Both divisions will be eligible to present their racecars, and the fans in the stands will decide the outcome.
The front gates open at 5pm, and the show starts at 7PM. For more information, please call the CMS business office @ (775) 267-0505 or log on @ www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.com.
DASH 5 Rick Kepley 4 laps 28 Rebecca Parmalee " 16 Tim Maloney " 1 Anthony Cozzi "MAIN 5 Rick Kepley 10 laps 16 Tim Maloney " 28 Rebecca Parmalee " 1 Anthony Cozzi "
DASH 9 Denny Hadler 4 laps 15n Michael Morrissey " 74 Wayne Estes " 12f Jim Klopp " HEAT #1 17 Robert Cose 10 laps 64 Rich Wirtz " 54 Perry Madjeski " 05 Gary Hale " 48 Charly Baron 9 lapsHEAT #2 15n Michael Morrissey 10 laps 12f Jim Klopp " 74 Wayne Estes " 9 Denny Hadler " 4 Nick Parmalee " 18 Jack Randall "
MAIN 15n Michael Morrissey 25 laps 4 Nick Parmalee " 12f Jim Klopp " 74 Wayne Estes " 17 Robert Cose " 18 Jack Randall " 64 Rich Wirtz " 111 Mystery Man " 54 Perry Madjeski " 9 Denny Hadler 24 laps
DASH 17 Kris Keller 4 laps 38 Chris Betz " 88 Rich Miller " 7 Matt Collier "HEAT 88 Rich Miller 10 laps 38 Chris Betz " 7 Matt Collier " 17 Kris Keller " 16 John White " 20 Glen Davidson " 33 Steve Montelatici 9 laps
MAIN 17 Kris Keller 15 laps 88 Rich Miller " 38 Chris Betz " 7 Matt Collier " 16 John White " 20 Glen Davidson 14 laps 33 Steve Montelatici 14 laps
DASH 33 Donnie Vega 4 laps 12 Jeff Brunton " 61 Willie Horn Jr " 24 Ryan Baumgartner " HEAT #1 14 Robert Smotherman 10 laps 7 Shane Kline " 1 Gary Dockins " 5 Jeff Stephens " 55 Duane "Dewey" Kramer " 6 Mark Tompkins 4 laps HEAT #2 15n Michael Morrissey 10 laps 12 Jeff Brunton " 24 Ryan Baumgartner " 61 Willie Horn Jr " 26 Les Friend " 33 Donnie Vega 9 lapsMAIN 26 Les Friend 30 laps 12 Jeff Brunton " 15n Michael Morrissey " 61 Willie Horn Jr " 33 Donnie Vega " 24 Ryan Baumgartner " 1 Gary Dockins " 5 Jeff Stephens " 14 Robert Smotherman 29 laps 55 Duane "Dewey" Kramer 28 laps 6 Mark Tompkins 7 laps
DASH 3x Chet Danburg 4 laps 35 Rich Lawlor " 71 Melissa Davis " 22 Howard Long "MAIN 35 Rich Lawlor 125 laps 3x Chet Danburg " 25 Dave Scirroni " 8 Al Goss " 2 Randy Hendrick " 71 Melissa Davis " 42 Jim Bawden " 19 Jason "Faufage" Lloyd 124 laps 27 Dan "Snoopy" Farrington 124 laps 12 Travis Combs 122 laps 65 Roger Dawson "
Season point standings are available at www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.com
