ERIE, Colorado -- Following two straight weeks of wet weather, Colorado National Speedway finally held its second NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event of 2004 on Saturday night. The evening ended with a very familiar scene in the Winner's Circle, as Jerry Robertson - who captured a record-setting 11 feature trophies during his 2003 championship drive - celebrated his first victory of the new year. Bouncing back from a fourth place finish in the season opener, Robertson took control of the 40 lap Horizon Banks Late Model race during the closing stages, and went on to prove that he is still the clear favorite in the division. After taking the lead, the 42-year-old Arvada, CO driver powered ahead of the field, as he notched his 41st career feature win at the 3/8 mile paved oval.
Bear Lynch, in seek of his second straight victory, led the field at the onset. From fifth in the starting line-up, Robertson was up to third by lap 12, and then moved ahead of Rick Smith for second just before the halfway mark. A caution period on the 24th circuit eliminated Lynch's one-second advantage, and on the restart, Robertson pulled alongside. The pair ran in a side by side formation for nearly three laps, until Robertson finally established the lead for good. Unchallenged the rest of the way, Robertson widened the gap aboard his Dunlap's Trailers Chevrolet Monte Carlo to eight car lengths at the finish stripe. Lynch took second, while Roger Avants made a late charge from deep in the field to claim third. Smith fell to fourth, with Bruce Yackey fifth.
With two races in the books, Lynch - with a first and a second place finish to his credit - remains the point leader. Robertson moved up to second in the standings, now followed by Avants.
The Sunoco Grand American Modifieds made their first appearance of the year, and veteran racer Ed Vecchiarelli captured the top prize. B.J. Penrod paced the field early-on, as Vecchiarelli quickly worked his way towards the front from 13th on the grid. As the 30 lap event neared the two-thirds mark, Vecchiarelli had already moved into a position to challenge. He found the room he needed in the lower groove, as Penrod was forced to surrender the lead. At the checkered flag, Vecchiarelli had built up a full-straightaway cushion, while Ronnie Stringfellow made a last-lap move on Penrod to secure the runner-up slot. Rookie Blane Lujan made an impressive first-time performance to finish fourth, with Jim Stivaletta in fifth.
In the Dunlap's Trailers Sportsman division, John Baker grabbed his first career triumph. Baker overhauled Mark Lowe for first place very early in the 20 lapper, with Alan Carter following. Carter was unable to get close enough to offer a serious challenge, and crossed the line five lengths back. Point leader Daren Gailey was third, with Lowe and Jim Bob Rogers completing the top five.
The Super Modifieds, making the first of two visits here this season, saw Johnny Pickard take top honors. H.J. Evans looked to have the race in hand, but his mount began to smoke badly with four laps to go, and he eventually fell off the pace. Pickard took over, and held off a strong challenge by early leader Joe Priselac; just two lengths separated the pair at the finish. Richy Castor, Jr. placed third, with Richie Sherrill fourth and Evans credited with fifth.
Next Saturday night, May 15th, NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series action continues with the speedway's first special event of the year. The "3M Late Model 125" will be headlined by the Horizon Banks Late Models in a 125 lap feature race - the first of the four "Pepsi Super Series" races to be held throughout the season. The card will also include the Snap-On Tools ProTrucks, along with the Dunlap's Trailers Sportsman, and the Trains.
QUICK TIME: Darren Crocker, Littleton
TROPHY DASH: Joe James, Jr., Denver
FEATURE: 1. Jerry Robertson, Arvada, 2. Bear Lynch, Denver, 3. Roger Avants, Littleton, 4. Rick Smith, Gering, NE, 5. Bruce Yackey, Greeley, 6. Ron Van Briggle, Eaton, 7. Scotty Backman, Parker, 8. Ronnie Hults, Arvada, 9. Ken Walter, Littleton, 10. Mike Gallegos, Wheat Ridge
QUICK TIME: Ed Vecchiarelli, Brighton
TROPHY DASH: Derek Clementson, Denver
FEATURE: 1. Ed Vecchiarelli, Brighton, 2. Ronnie Stringfellow, Littleton, 3. B.J. Penrod, Centennial, 4. Blane Lujan, Pueblo, 5. Jim Stivaletta, Pine, 6. Darren Robertson, Arvada, 7. Terry Tjarks, Berthoud, 8. Dan Dodot, Thornton, 9. Sam Calvetti, Cheyenne, WY, 10. Joel Hansen, Eaton
QUICK TIME: Jim Bob Rogers, Erie
TROPHY DASH: Alan Carter, Thornton
FEATURE: 1. John Baker, Cheyenne, WY, 2. Alan Carter, Thornton, 3. Daren Gailey, Aurora, 4. Mark Lowe, Lakewood, 5. Jim Bob Rogers, Erie, 6. Stan Griffin, Brighton, 7. Rick Hunt, Arvada, 8. Tom Powers, Aurora, 9. Tommy Roe, Thornton, 10. Andy Lewis, Louisville
QUICK TIME: H.J. Evans, Littleton
TROPHY DASH: Gary Land, Littleton
FEATURE:
1. Johnny Pickard, Pueblo,
2. Joe Priselac, Westminster,
3. Richy Castor, Jr., Bennett,
4. Richie Sherrill, Denver,
5. H.J. Evans, Littleton,
6. Scott Decenick, Denver,
7. Skip Mikula, Denver,
8. Floyd Scriller, Broomfield,
9. Ira Castor, Brighton,
10. Harry Stone, Broomfield
