ERIE, Colorado -- Jerry Robertson has had his way in the First Choice Funding Late Model division nearly all season, but Saturday night at Colorado National Speedway was his most impressive run yet. Robertson, of Arvada, CO, was originally slated to begin the 40 lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series contest from the pole position. When he and fellow front-row starter Rick Smith could not stay aligned – and the start was aborted twice – officials elected to send both to the rear of the pack. Even with the handicap, the 41-year-old moved through the field and took the lead by the halfway mark of the “High Plains Short-Track Attack”. Now claiming six wins in seven starts at the 3/8 mile paved oval, a record-breaking season looms ever larger for Robertson.
Once the green flag was finally displayed, fast qualifier Bruce Yackey took control, with cousin Steve Yackey and Scotty Backman in tow. Due to a series of skirmishes by some of the mid-pack runners during the early stages, Robertson gained positions in rapid-fire succession. It only took 11 circuits for him to move up into the runner-up slot, and then set his sights on the leader. Following a caution on lap 19, Robertson made short work of Yackey, using the low groove to get by. Yackey kept pace until the final moments, when Robertson’s Dunlap’s Trailers Chevrolet Monte Carlo began to pull away, and crossed the stripe owning a six length margin. Yackey notched his fourth second place finish over the last five races, while Scotty Backman took third. Defending track champion Roger Avants was fourth, and Smith made an outstanding run, coming back to place fifth.
Robertson’s season tally is now up to 342 points, followed by Yackey with 304. Backman’s 288 point total puts him third in the current 2003 rundown.
After being involved in mishaps during the two most recent Dunlap’s Trailers Super Stock events, Daren Gailey bounced back to score his second win of the year. John Baker grabbed the lead early on, and Gailey quickly moved in to apply pressure. After a lengthy side by side duel, Gailey finally secured the top spot with six laps remaining. Trent Phillips made a move on the final go-round to take second, as Baker fell to third. Point leader Rick Russolello maneuvered up from ninth on the starting grid to receive the checkered flag in fourth, chased by Jim Bob Rogers.
In Figure-Eight competition, Lance Proctor became the fourth different winner in as many races, allowing him to extend his point lead. The 20 lapper saw Dennis Stepanich head the pack shortly after the green flag waved, as Proctor worked his way up from eighth. Proctor made the winning pass on the 13th circuit, with Al Duran in pursuit. The pair stayed tight to the end, as Proctor – the division’s defending champion – finished with a one-length advantage. Duran, Harry Livermore, Jr., J.D. Hafemeister, and Jared Wall completed the top five.
Danny Medina led from flag to flag to pick up his second consecutive Legends Car Series trophy. Anthony Medina once again made it a family affair by coming home second, four lengths back. Jay Sant grabbed third, followed by Barry Dykes and Terry Plummer. Danny Medina now owns an eight point advantage on Anthony Medina in the title chase.
The next NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event on the speedway’s calendar will be the rescheduled “Craftsman Late Model Clash presented by the U.S. Army” on Saturday night, June 21st. Upgraded to special event status, this race will be headlined by the First Choice Funding Late Models in a 125 lap feature race – the first of the four “Pepsi Super Series” events to be held throughout the season. The card will also include the Snap-On Tools ProTrucks in a 50 lap contest, along with a regular program for the Artcraft Signs Grand American Modifieds, the Leary Racing Products Baby Grands, and the Witthar-Racing Trains.
- QUICK TIME:
- Bruce Yackey, Greeley
- TROPHY DASH
- FEATURE
3. Scotty Backman, Parker
4. Roger Avants, Littleton
5. Rick Smith, Gering, NE
6. Ron van Briggle, Eaton
7. Joe James, Jr., Denver
8. Dan Savage, Aurora
9. Zach Morris, Castle Rock
10. P.J. Mattorano, Commerce City
- TROPHY DASH
- FEATURE
3. John Baker, Cheyenne, WY
4. Rick Russolello, Thornton
5. Jim Bob Rogers, Erie
6. Tom Powers, Aurora
7. Stan Griffin, Brighton
8. Jim Lahey, Denver
9. Rick Hunt, Arvada
10. Rick Runkle, Lakewood
- QUICK TIME
- TROPHY DASH
- FEATURE
3. Harry Livermore, Jr., Denver
4. J.D. Hafemeister, Commerce City
5. Jared Wall, Commerce City
6. Harry Bragg, Castle Rock
7. Ted Gastineau, Denver
8. Joe Matlock, Aurora
9. Michael Steward, Thornton
10. Scott Quintrall, Westminster
- QUICK TIME
- TROPHY DASH
- FEATURE
3. Jay Sant, Parker
4. Barry Dykes, Loveland
5. Terry Plummer, Loveland
6. Steve Smith, Superior
7. Dave Johnson, Thornton
8. Jerry Jackson, Parker
9. Jon Krizman, Loveland
10. Michael Jones, Aurora
