Due to last week’s rain-out, Colorado National Speedway’s First Choice Funding Late Model division ran a rare doubleheader on Saturday night. In the opener of the twin 25 lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series feature events, Jerry Robertson came out on top to once again put his name in the record books. Robertson picked up his 11th trophy of the 2003 campaign, setting a new single-season standard for number of wins in the division. In the nightcap, Rick Smith led from flag to flag, and cruised to his second career victory. Robertson finished second in the late-night contest, as he continues to extend his point lead with the season finale slated for next weekend.
Bruce Yackey led at the onset of the twilight race, chased by Cousin Steve Yackey, and Roger Avants. From fifth on the grid, Robertson methodically picked up positions using the low groove. The 41-year-old Arvada, CO driver overhauled Avants on lap 6, Steve Yackey on lap 13, and then slipped past Bruce Yackey during a restart on the 14th circuit. Despite several late cautions, Robertson was well in control the rest of the way, and his Dunlap’s Trailers Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned a four length advantage at the checkered flag. Bruce and Steve Yackey finished second and third, with Avants fourth and Rick Carelli fifth.
41-year-old Smith – a sophomore driver in the division – was chased by Ron Van Briggle and Carelli most of the way en route to his triumph. While Smith, of Gering, NE, found enough power aboard his Hydrotex Monte Carlo to escape any serious challenges, Robertson made a bold move on the final go-round to secure second. Robertson motored ahead of both Carelli and Van Briggle in turn four, edging out Van Briggle for the runner-up spot by inches. Carelli settled with fourth, while Scotty Backman filled out the top five. Because the engine in Smith’s mount was protested by another competitor, the results for this race are currently unofficial.
Heading into next week’s Challenge Cup season-closer, Robertson now owns a 60 point margin on Bruce Yackey (880 to 820). Robertson only needs to finish 16th or better in the special 125 lap race to claim his second championship in four years. Backman remains third in the standings, but is 98 marks behind first place.
In Dunlap’s Trailers Super Stock competition, Jim Bob Rogers continued with the incredible success he has enjoyed since mid-season, as he won his third straight feature event, and fifth in his last seven starts. Rogers went around Steve Green for the lead during the early stages of the 25 lapper, then held off a late charge by Daren Gailey. Rogers was one length ahead of Gailey at the stripe, with Green in third, 2003 Rookie of the Year Tom Powers fourth, and point leader Trent Phillips fifth. Gailey moved up to second in the standings with his performance, 22 points behind Phillips.
It was business as usual for Del Smith in the Leary Racing Products Baby Grands, as he ousted Bill Gray for the win. 16-year-old Adam Shrove turned in a fine run to take third.
The Mazda RX-7 spec racers made their one-and-only appearance of the year, with Jason Ott in control of the field. Mike Weatherman was second, with Sean Gould third.
The Pure Stocks ran their final race of 2003, a 75 lap “enduro” type event. Bubba Willox came out on top, followed by Lance Bailey. Point leader Eric Warrington appeared to finish third, but failed to pass the post-race inspection and was disqualified, moving Robbie Schneider into the position. Although Warrington was stripped of all points, the standings show him in a first place tie with Schneider for the division title. Warrington holds the edge on the tie-breaker, but due to the circumstances, a final decision will not be made until early next week.
The speedway's next event will be its spectacular season finale – the “Snap-On Tools Challenge Cup XXIX” – on September 12th and 13th. The track's traditional year-ender starts out on Friday night with qualifying events for five of its regular divisions, as well as a normal program for the Legends Car Series and the Baby Grands. On Saturday night, six 2003 champions will be crowned following their double point, extended length feature races. The largest purse of the year will be offered for Figure-Eights, Super Stocks, Grand American Modifieds, ProTrucks, and the headline event of the weekend, the 125 lap Challenge Cup race for the Late Models. Then, the Trains will take to the track for their final running. The total weekend payout is expected to exceed $50,000.
