CARSON CITY, Nevada -- A capacity crowd filed into the Champion Motor Speedway tonight to witness round #2 of the Travelers RV Sierra Mountain SuperSeries presented by the Plaza Hotel, Coors Light, and 76 Racing Fuel.
The attendance continues to grow every week at CMS and the enthusiastic fans in the stands were not disappointed even though they had to endure unseasonably cool conditions.
The Sierra Mountain SuperSeries is a co-venture between Champion Motor Speedway general manager Jeb Onweiler and competition director Rick Poppert from the All American Speedway in Roseville, CA.
The six-race series features the Charter Super LateModels from CMS going up against the Pro Stocks from AAS. Each facility will host three events in 2003.
Nineteen beautiful late models took the grid for the 125-lap showdown. Unfortunately for the rest of the competitors, Phil Perry from Roseville CA brought his A-game to the 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval and on this night, easily handled the rest of the Sierra Mountain SuperSeries competitors.
Perry led from the git-go and handily held off all other challengers. On lap 108 a six-car melee ensued after Randy Hendrick and Al Goss came together in turn three. The incident caused several others to take evasive action as Mike Mansch slid off the top of the track and into the SoftDirt safety barrier. Also caught up in the carnage were Roger Davidson, Jack Tillman, and round #1 winner Rich Lawler. After the cleanup was completed, it was Perry leading the rest of the way to the checkered flag. The final finishing order was: Perry, Chet Danburg, Shannon Mansch, Melissa Davis, Randy Hedrick, Jason Lloyd, CJ Bawden, Kevin Paugh, Jack Tillman, Jim Bawden, Ray Davis, Al Goss, Rich Lawler, Dan Cherry, Roger Davison, Mike Mansch, Dave Sciarroni, Jay Bradley, and Craig Faust.
Up next for the Sierra Mountain SuperSeries is round # 3 at the All American Speedway on July 12. Danburg holds a 10-point lead over Lawler (90-80), followed by Hedrick (74), M. Davis (72), and Lloyd (65).
The Travelers RV Western Modified Shootout also provided lots of fireworks as the open-wheeled warriors beat and banged for 50 exciting laps. Michael Morrissey from Tahoe City, CA quickly worked his way into the lead, however on lap 47 Johnny Vega tried to grab the top position and the two tangled.
Unfortunately for both competitors, it spoiled great runs as they both were sent to back of the pack for being involved in the incident. Shane Kline of Carson City inherited the lead and win after holding on for the remaining three laps.
In other action it was Kris Keller taking the Les Schwab Street Stock win over Rick Miller and John White, while Dennis Coleman grabbed the Hustlin’ Hornet victory with Jerry Stark and Sandy Saughnders rounding out the podium.
Champion Motor Speedway trophy dash and heat race winners brought their helmets into the grandstands (and through the pits) to take up a collection for the Christina Hollahan the young lady from Carson City who’s home burned last Sunday and lost everything she owned.
Miss Hollahan has ties to the Champion Motor Speedway as she works at the beer garden on Saturday nights. Christina also won the Mad Mutha-in-Law race on May 31, and along with co-pilot Chris Wyatt donated the entire $600.00 first prize to the 2003 CMS drivers fund.
After the fans and racers learned of Christina’s recent generosity and subsequent situation they stepped up in remarkable fashion and donated over $1600.00 in cash along with clothes and other items. "Champion Motor Speedway takes care of their own in time of need and I’m real proud of everyone,” said Onweiler.
"Christina was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity tonight and wanted me to say thanks to all for the help and best wishes. She was pretty nervous and emotional in winner's circle when we presented her with the check."
Next Saturday night it’s “Economy Speed Press Nite” featuring the “Freakin’ Figure 8” races, Western Modifieds, Limited LateModels, Legends, Les Schwab Street Stocks, and the Hustlin’ Hornets.
Also in action - the Ponderosa Stamp & Engraving kids bicycle races at 6:30pm. Fun Jumpers’ Earnhardt Memorial Park will have bounce houses and other activities for the Kids Klub members. The special “Saturday Nite” attraction will be fabulous antique Hudson Hornet display.
Showing at all five “Thunder Theater” locations will be “LIVE” IRL IndyCar Series action from the Richmond International Speedway in Richmond, VA. - followed by same day coverage of the NHRA POWERade drag racing Sears Craftsman Nationals from Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, MO.
The pits open @ 3pm, front gates open @ 5pm, and the show starts @ 7PM.
Adults are only $9.00, Seniors (55 and over) and Military (with photo ID) are only $7.00, Teens (18 to13) are $5.00, Juniors (12 to 6) are $3.00 and Kids (5 & under) are free. Event parking is also free.
For more information, please call the CMS business office @ (775) 267-0505 or log on @ www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.com.
Cya @ “Economy Speed Press Nite” featuring the “Freakin’ Figure 8 Race” next Saturday night!
